Indianapolis - 3, Los Angeles - 20
Q. What was the challenge of stepping in tonight for your first start of the season?
NICK FOLES: Yeah, I mean, any time there's change, you step in and you try to get acclimated as soon as you can and, you know, get the timing down and everything. And we had a really good week of practice. And, you know, obviously, the execution wasn't at the level that we needed to win this game. And, you know, that's unfortunate.
This would have been -- we haven't done a good enough job this year. And this one was a tough one. You know, the guys are fighting every single play, giving everything they have. And we just fell short.
Q. What happened on the first interception? It seemed like there might have been a miscommunication.
NICK FOLES: Yeah, it was one of those things where the guy sort of fell off a route, sort of a double-move. And, you know, I felt like they were holding our guy. But at the end of the day, I just got to be smart and check it down. So that's on me.
Q. What were the conversations like on the sideline as you were trying to get things going as an offense?
NICK FOLES: I mean, I think you see -- you just keep chiseling away at what's going on. You keep leading, you keep talking through the different looks that were seen, different plays that were seen, how guys are playing. And, you know, we were doing that all game. We could just never get anything going.
Q. Did you ever feel comfortable tonight?
NICK FOLES: I mean, I think we never got into a rhythm as an offense. I think the points show. I mean, three points, I mean, that's never going to be good enough. So we never got into a rhythm as an offense that really got going.
And that starts with the quarterback and we have to make sure we do a good job throughout the course of the game to try to find a rhythm.
Q. With two weeks left, how much can change in that period of time?
NICK FOLES: I mean, we'll find out. I think we just sort of take it in the present moment. You know, right now, you know, dealing with a loss, moving forward, getting ready for the Giants, you just sort of chisel away at the week. You stay in the present moment, do what you can, prepare like you can, practice like you can and you keep, you know, going.
I mean, this year for this organization has been very, very unique for everyone involved. And I think the big thing in that locker room is guys keep playing, keep showing up to practice, keep grinding, keep working, and keep fighting. The outcome wasn't what we wanted and that's unfortunate.
And this is the NFL. And I -- it's not the first time I've seen this. And it's tough. But I also know in these moments this is where you really create the real relationships and you also see what relationships aren't real. And this game has both.
And those ones that are real, those are life relationships. That's what this game is about. Because at some point, all of us will be done with this game and we'll move on and we won't even think about this loss. We'll think about the bright spots, the relationships with people who were there for you when you're at -- in your toughest time.
And, this team, unfortunately, has had a lot of tough times this year. But those relationships are real. So if there's one silver lining, there's that. But at the end of the day, we need to win games.
Q. Jeff was saying that the effort was pretty good despite the result. Is that what you saw, as well?
NICK FOLES: I mean, guys at this level, this is what -- you know, there's so many kids out there that dream about playing at this level, and you want to believe that guys are going to give it everything they have every day. Because this is something you look forward to as a kid.
And it's just unfortunate sometimes you can give it everything you have and the outcome's not what you thought. And that's the hard part of this game. But there's also a time where you give everything you have and you win games and then you keep winning. And then you win a lot of games and then you make the playoffs.
And I'm just fortunate to see both of them. And the biggest thing is, you know, you can be fighting every single down and lose a game like we did. But I've also been on some teams where we fought and we win.
So it's just a unique game. That's why we keep playing. It's hard. It's a very difficult game. You learn about yourself and the people you play with.
Q. Jeff was saying that the effort was pretty good despite the result. Is that what you saw, as well?
NICK FOLES: They did a nice job covering. They were mixing up coverages. And they were doing a good job with, you know, taking away a bunch of reads. And, you know, taking away leverage. And early on, you know, they made some good plays.
Two of the picks, I felt good about the throws, just one guy fell off and had a nice play coming in. Did not expect him to do that based on the technique they were playing.
And then, you know, the other one, you know, three, James, a good player, he went up and got that thing. I mean, I was amazed that he got that. I haven't seen a play like that. So the guy is a tremendous player. But at the end of the day, those are on me. I have to, you know, know that and make better decisions.
Q. What have you learned about yourself individually going through this season?
NICK FOLES: Yeah, I mean, the role has been unique. I think you just realize that no matter what, like, you can always be there with guys in the locker room and talk about life, what's going on outside football. You know, kids, significant others, whatever it may be, you can talk about life. It's not always ball. And you get to know people.
At the end of the day, we're people, too. So I think that's the part of the game that sometimes gets lost with all the fantasy football and everything. Like, they're human beings.
I know I've had neighbors before that, you know, they're with me through a season and they're football fans, and by the end of it, they're like, We don't look at football the same. You're just a person. Like, you're just like us. And that's the thing, we have an opportunity to be role models up here.
And that's why we do it, too. Because there's a lot of kids that are looking at us and want to do this and we want to set a good example. And that's why I keep playing.
That's why, you know, the young guys in the locker room, you can share wisdom with and help them along the way. I mean, you can -- you learn a lot through the tough times.
When you win, it's easy. It's super easy. When you lose, it's hard. And when you lose a lot, it becomes very difficult. But you just learn what's deep down in your soul and that's the positive.
Q. How much were you chomping at the bit to play both tonight and throughout the season?
NICK FOLES: I mean, when I came here, this was Matt Ryan's team. And I still think Matt's a tremendous player. And I think the world of Matt. And I still think, you know -- so the answer is no. I was there to support Matt. I believe in Matt. I love Matt. He's been there for me.
Sam -- the QB room's strong here. It hasn't been an easy year, but we've always stuck together. And that's been really special. And I've gotten to see Sam and Matt, who they really are. And those guys are real. And I'm just grateful to be here for them.
But, no, I was never chomping at the bit because I was there to support Matt. And I wanted to Matt to succeed. And, you know, we've been fighting for each other, we've been leaning on each other.
And, you know, the biggest thing after this game, you get in the locker room it's Sam and Matt and you know what, we know that it's a brotherhood that's very special and unique this year. And we know that we have each other's backs. And that's something that you don't always see every day.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports