Coach Pat Shurmur

Opening Statement: Well, it's good to win a game and do it the way we did. I think our defense did a terrific job. We made a few tweaks, I don't think we made a lot of massive changes, but we made a few tweaks this week that I think settled our guys down, helped them be more comfortable, they were more disruptive, (and) we got pressure on the quarterback. All of those turnovers— my goodness. I'm not sure I've been around a game with that many. They did just a really, really terrific job. They were about their business this week, they kept the noise out, and I watched it. I watched their preparation this week and I really felt like we on defense this week made improvements on the practice field that then showed up in the game. Now what we have to do is continue to build on that. As you build a team, it takes offense, defense, and special teams. We certainly cannot turn the ball over like we did on offense, especially when you're in that run-it mode. Those are two fumbles that are two scores. Against a team that's got more fire power than they had today, those are killers. There are so many things that we can build on, but I think as a team today, my challenge to them was to play the first snap of this game like they played the second half snaps in the Tampa game. I thought our guys responded to that. Great team win. It was great to see the defense, our defense, have success. We can build on that as we move forward. I thought our quarterback, he did a good job. The two interceptions, they fell off on the post and jumped the over. That's something that they really hadn't done, and that's partly on me. He made a good throw, he had a little bit of pressure, and then we caught them in man, so we tried to throw a cross and they undercut that as well. So, we'll learn from that, but I thought for the most part he battled and was gritty and did the things necessary. Him moving around helped us on third downs. I think situationally, I think we were 8 for 12 on third downs, and some of that can be attributed to his legs. The injuries, obviously (Lorenzo) Carter had the neck, so we'll see where he's at. Then (Ryan) Connelly with the knee. I have no updates on those. With that, I'll take your questions.

Q: Breaking your season down— are you where you thought you would be when you entered the season?

A: I don't know that. This is where I hoped we'd be after today, 2-2. We will figure it out from there.

Q: As the game was going on from the sideline, did you anticipate that they might pull (Redskins Quarterback) Case (Keenum) and put in Dwayne (Haskins)?

A: I didn't know what they were going to do. Nope, I had no idea.

Q: What were your thoughts when he (Dwayne Haskins) did come in? Did you think it changed anything?

A: No, I really felt like they were going to still run the same offense that they ran with Case. He's a really good player, and a young player, and he's got a bright future. I'm sure that he came in and executed what he would have if had he started the game.

Q: What are your thoughts on the secondary? It seems like today they had more coverage sacks— or caused more coverage sacks.

A: I don't know that. I'll watch the tape. Anytime that you see the quarterback have to hold the ball then look around, that means you were doing something good in the backend. I thought we played much better on defense all the way around. Certainly, the secondary had a lot of really good moments.

Q: When you say tweaks you made on defense, what are you referring to? What do you think the biggest tweak on defense was that you made?

A: I'll let the team that has to scout us figure that out. We just made some tweaks, some things, that I thought helped us, and those tweaks played out. Those tweaks worked today.

Q: We saw Daniel's mobility again on the 16-yard run where he had traffic all around him. How does he escape that, how does he do that?

A: Well, it's natural, certainly. Some of that you're born with. He keeps his eyes downfield. I don't think he ever feels like the play is lost. He has a really good sense of timing, and he learned that, and he practiced that this week. There were a couple times when his eyes were downfield, and he got tomahawked against Tampa. This week, I thought he did a good job of pushing up where that didn't happen. That would be one of his little tweaks that I thought he did a good job on.

Q: Do you consider him a fast learner?

A: Daniel? He's smarter than all of us. I can't speak for you guys, I'll speak for me. He's way smarter than me. Not only is he a quick learner, but he's a fast thinker and that goes into the decision-making piece.

Q: Last week (Janoris Jenkins) Jackrabbit struggled. Today, he had two interceptions. Can you talk about how he regrouped, bounced back and had a good game today?

A: That speaks to his resiliency. He had a great week of practice and it showed up on the field. Having a great week of practice doesn't guarantee success on Sunday, but he went out there and did it. I am pleased and happy for him.

Q: How major of a role did Jabrill Peppers play in today's game?

A: Well, that pick-six, that makes it a three-score game. That's good and that's important. We got bogged down with those turnovers, and we were kind of grinding it out there for a while, so that was a big boost for us.

Q: You went for it on a fourth down early in the game. You called timeouts on defense late in the first half to make sure you had time on offense.

A: I actually thought I played that right. It was very aggressive, by the way. But I felt like I played it right.

Q: I'm not judging you, I was just pointing it out. Do you think that carries over to the team, that aggressive mindset of we're going to go for it?

A: I don't know. You'd have to ask them that. I felt like at that stage in the game we had some good 3rd and 2, 4th and 2 type plays that we felt good about that I read off, he called it, and executed it. You never know how things are going to play out. I do think this is an aggressive game for tough people, and I think you need it from the staff as well as from the players.

Q: After Daniel's two interceptions, what did you see in terms of his demeanor? Did he continue to be aggressive as you saw it? As you talked about, he's a quick thinker and you can see the kind of adjustments he made as they ran some sets you said they're not familiar with.

A: I think, yeah, he stayed right in the moment. Listen, after those plays, you wouldn't have known that he didn't just throw a touchdown pass. That's part of his charm, he's just onto the next thing. I think that's a credit to him.

Q: What does it say about (Wayne) Gallman that you really didn't seem to have a moment in the game there where you were like, 'we could have used Saquon (Barkley) there'?

A: I think he did a hell of a job. Everybody out there had a few bad plays, but he stepped in with a heavy load and did a really nice job. I'm pleased with what he did. I thought (Jon) Hilliman came in and gave us a little something. Each one of them doesn't want to fumble the ball, and Dan didn't want to throw the two interceptions. Lost in this, I think when we look back on it— I don't think, I know, I thought the pass protection for the most part was really good. We all talked all week about (Redskins Linebacker Ryan) Kerrigan, and they've got other guys up front. Really in the first four games here, we have faced four really good defensive fronts. I think our guys accepted the challenge today and did a good job.

Q: What happened there at the end? There seemed to be a little scuffle in front of your bench.

A: I was talking to (Redskins Head Coach) Jay (Gruden). Jay and I are friends from way back, so we were talking and he said, "hey, there's a fight." So, I didn't see it.

Q: What are you looking forward to with Golden Tate coming back this week?

A: Yeah, good point. We'll get him back in and get him going. I think that group has done a good job of acting like a village, and everybody trying to do their part. We had a lot of substitutions in there and getting guys in there. I think (Wide Receivers Coach) Tyke (Tolbert) does a good job of making sure guys are in for the right plays, but then when they are in there for just basic plays, knowing what they are doing. So, we'll get him back in the mix and get him going.

QB Daniel Jones:

Q: How much does mobility change the game from your position?**

A: Everyone is going to have different styles, or different strengths and weaknesses. I try to use that when I can to extend plays or get out of the pocket. Yeah, I think that's a useful tool.

Q: What was your reaction coming to the sidelines after you threw an interception on back-to-back drives?

A: I first wanted to see what happened. Obviously, two mistakes that you can't have, and costly ones. Luckily, our defense stepped up and we were able to hold them off. Two things you learn from. I was just trying to focus on the next play. Look at it, learn from it, but get back to the next play.

Q: Can you explain what happened on each of those two (interceptions)?

A: Yeah. On the first one, just someone I didn't see coming off of a receiver and he made a play on the ball. The second one was a poor throw. I left it a little bit behind him and he had an opportunity to undercut it. Two bad mistakes and certainly things to work on.

Q: Was Eli (Manning) suggesting anything after those mistakes?

A: Yeah, we talked about it. His message was just get back out there, and that kind of stuff is going to happen. Making sure moving forward we'll address the problems, but we're moving forward and worry about the next play. Those were his thoughts.

Q: Is that easy for you to do?

A: Yeah, I think you have to be able to do it. If you can't, you're going to struggle at times because football is going to go up and down. You're going to have good plays and bad plays. Certainly try to do it, and I think you have to be able to.

Q: The scramble when you avoided a sack and you shed some other guy, talk about that third down scramble.

A: Yeah, trying to see some guys down field. They got a little pressure there, but I just tried to stay on my feet and then I saw some space. I tried to get up field and get the first down.

Q: Thoughts in general about the fan reaction to you in your first home game as a starter?

A: Yeah, I certainly appreciate the support. Just running out here for the first time was exciting in front of these fans. I'm very appreciative of their support of me, of the team and it's always fun to get a win.

Q: When you're in that third and long play with the pocket kind of collapsing around you, does it feel to you that you're as trapped as it kind of looks to the rest of us?

A: You feel the pressure, but you don't exactly see everyone. You don't feel necessarily trapped. You just try to stay on your feet and get out of there. You just kind of take some space when you can and stay on your feet. I don't know. I think that's an interesting question. I don't know if you can really feel everyone, but you feel pressure.

Q: Besides the physical mistake of throwing an interception, what areas of the quarterback position do you feel like you need to improve on?

A: I think there's a lot of things. At times, I can see certain coverages, see the field better, and making sure we're getting the ball to whoever's the most open at the time. I can certainly do better there. Getting the ball out on time. I think all of those things. There's still a number of things to improve on.

Q: Does your approach change at all when the defense is clicking on all cylinders?

A: I don't think so. We need to stay aggressive, keep attacking and making sure we're doing our part to convert those opportunities that they give us in those situations. I thought we did alright with that. I think we certainly can improve there, and we'll look to do that. But I don't think necessarily the approach changes.

Q: Last week was such an emotional win from all sides. First win. Can you describe the feeling after this one?

A: I think it's equally as exciting. Just to win is always a good feeling, and to win at home is a great feeling. They were definitely two different games, and they played out differently. But a win is a win. Like last week, we'll look at it and improve from it. But it's exciting.

Q: Just week to week in this league, two weeks ago you guys were in this building. You were 0-2 and some people were saying the season was over. Now you're sitting at 2-2. Do you feel like this kind of stabilizes things at this point one month in?

A: I don't know if we necessarily… There certainly wasn't any panic amongst the team or in our building at 0-2. I think we understood who we had. I think we understood the team. Getting back to 2-2, you feel good about it. But at the same time, if we're going to keep winning, we have to address a number of things. We have to improve a number of things as a team if we want to keep it going. I think it's important that we understand that and like I said, keep moving forward.

Q: Did Coach Shurmur talk to you after the second interception? Did he have a message for you?

A: Yeah. Next play, just to get back out there. Kind of stay in what we're doing and not let that affect the rest of the game, I think, is always the message.

Q: Same message as Eli's message?

A: Yeah.

Q: Can you talk about Wayne Gallman stepping in the way he did today, and how important that was for you guys?

A: Yeah, I thought that was huge. Wayne had a great game. We had a lot of confidence in him, and I think he's a really good player. I don't think anyone was surprised by how he played. But certainly, he was a huge piece of this win today.

Q: Thoughts on getting Golden Tate back this week?

A: Yeah, I'm excited. I'm excited to have Golden back. Looking forward to it, and looking forward to what we can do.

Q: As part of the crowd support and the hype surrounding you, is that something you have to consciously block out, or is it just your personality?

A: I don't think it's a bad thing to feed off the excitement or the energy necessarily. But yeah, there's certainly enough going on on the field where you can't be thinking about that too much. Like I said, appreciative of the support.

RB Wayne Gallman Jr.

Q: Wayne, take us through the first touchdown. Looked like Daniel [Jones] was looking to his left, you kind of slipped down to the flat there.

A: We were just open in the flat. Thank the Lord. Glad Danny saw me and he was able to get it to me. I'm glad I got the first one on the board.

Q: Overall, how do you feel you played the first game?

A: I feel like I played good. There's always room for improvement, but just seeing what we did today is a great step for the team and that we're only looking better from here.

Q: How hard was it to get that first touchdown and to grind and kind of be aggressive? You get another fourth and two and you can sense you were going for six and weren't going to settle for three.

A: Well, the whole focus was to come out fast. You know we don't want to come out hot in the second half. We want to come out hot in the first half, so the focus was just getting that first drive going and we did. We got it done.

Q: At what point did you start to feel comfortable?

A: I was comfortable from the first snap. You know I've been waiting for this moment a long time and just been ready for it. Just been waiting a long time for it and I wasn't about to let it get away from me.

Q: What was this week like, your anticipation since you have been waiting for a long time? How fired up were you as the week was going on? Were you trying to temper your emotions a little bit?

A: Oh yeah, I was just trying to keep the main thing the main thing this week. Not try to think too much about things, just follow the reads in practice, do the right things and get better everyday. So, that was my focus.

Q: Saquon Barkley had a tweet earlier in the day saying that you were going to go off today, you were going to go crazy. What advice did he give you? Did you know about that tweet and kind of how did that help you? How has he been helping you?

A: I don't know why he does some of the things he does. [Laughs] He told me when I was getting taped. I was like, 'bro, why would you do that?', so I was like now I've got to show up. But no, he's a little bro. We talked at halftime and he told me what he saw, what he didn't [see] as I do for him when he's in the game, so, you know I love him, I love what he does. I just want to also contribute.

Q: Wayne, knowing the void he leaves, how important was it for you to step up the way you did today?

A: I was going to show everybody that even though Say [Saquon Barkley] is out, I'm Wayne, and I can do whatever it takes to win.

Q: Is there a different feel in this locker room?

A: All I feel is energy from my teammates. We all want it and we just want to be better, so next week I can only picture how much better we get next week.

Q: If the back page tomorrow morning says "Saquon [Barkley] who?" how will you react?

A: I wouldn't. I wouldn't pay [any] attention to it. Saquon is Saquon, but I'm me and it's all about just feeding off each other, so when Saquon comes back and we go back to the original rotation, I'll always be prepared and always ready.

Q: What's been the biggest difference for this offense the past two weeks? It looks like you guys are looking a little better on third down and fourth down; more prolonged drives.

A: Difference? I would say just preparation and practice. Just not goofing around. Keeping the main thing the main thing and just striving to get better each week, so you know everyday throughout the week I can only look at my teammates and after every practice, I know that we got better.

Q: Do you feel like that wasn't the case the first couple of weeks? Maybe guys just didn't have the same approach?

A: Not that that wasn't the case, it was just we were just figuring it out. It was the start of the new season. Of course, we were going to see how the first game goes and we're just going to learn from it. So that's all we've been doing. Just learning and getting better each week.

S Jabrill Peppers

Q:  Talk about your interception and how good does this win feel?

A: It felt good, we had a great week of preparation, I watched extensive film because I wanted to take the challenge of guarding Vernon Davis real personal. I recognized the set, I knew they liked the over routes out of that formation. I trusted my gut, slipped underneath it, he tried to get it out, I switched my arm and saw nothing but daylight in front of me, it had to be six.

Q: There was so much emotion after the game, obviously you are wearing 21 as well, talk me through what was going on after the game and what you were exuding emotionally?

A: It's a division game, it's definitely more personal, but that's just football. I have the utmost respect for those guys, especially Landon, it's all love. When you are playing football, you have to tap into another dimension so you can be the player your team needs you to be. I just didn't turn it off quick enough and I don't think he did, either. Nothing serious, it's all love.

Q: Talk about what you were able to prove, getting that big play, with you coming in here, stepping into his role?

A: I wasn't really thinking about it like that. I just wanted to keep letting the game come to me. I knew the chance for me to make a big impact play was going to come eventually. Coach Bettch is doing a great job of putting guys in spots to make the plays. I feel like we were cleaner this week, we still had a couple busted coverages, but they didn't capitalize off of them. I just really wanted to come in here, settle down and let the game come to me. It's a division game, I didn't want to get too riled up and just do what I can to help my team win. As a defense, we definitely played amazing, Jackrabbit, Connelly, two picks, it's crazy how it's all coming together and we aren't even at full strength yet.

Q: What was your reaction to Haskins coming in after Keenum was struggling?

A: We didn't really look at it too much differently, we knew they had to simplify things for him. Other than that, we just stuck to the game plan, they weren't going to switch too much. We kept playing
Giant football.

Q: What was your impression of Haskins?

A: He's a great quarterback. I think down the line he is going to be real big for them. I feel like today we just had a great game plan, executed that game plan and at the end of the day, that's all that matters.

Q: Talk about your pick-six and how loud MetLife Stadium was?

A: I couldn't even hear it, I was just so zoned in. That was the first one of my career, I tried to do the wall hop but I was little tired, I couldn't quite make it. It was great that we could make a big play like that on defense. Help the offense, spread the margin out a little bit, and we kept playing phenomenal defense after that. We just have to keep this going.

Q: Coach Shurmur pulled you in for a hug and you had an exchange of words, can you share with us what you guys said?

A: I said that's one of the reasons you guys brought me here. I'm going to make you look good, that was the basics of what I said.

Q: How important is it for the Giants to have a defensive performance like today, four turnovers, as the season progresses?

A: It's very important, especially in today's league, it's a passing league. You have to be solid on the back end, the front seven did a phenomenal job as well. I think the interceptions are overshadowing the job that they did. They got pressure on him all day, that made our jobs a lot easier back there on the back end. We just have to take this, break down the film, get it corrected and build for the next one.

Q: You had talked this week about big plays you had hoped to make earlier in the season that weren't there for whatever reason, what does it feel like to actually come through with those big plays?

A: It definitely feels good. I have to go out there and make more. We are 2-2, we can't feel ourselves too much, there's a long season ahead, we are going to see those guys again. It definitely feels good to get a division win.

Q: Did you feel like you had something to prove, the defense wasn't playing well, Landon was coming in here?

A: Absolutely, I definitely felt like this was great game for me to come out here and prove myself, maybe change the narrative a little bit. Me as person, a player and us as a whole defense. I feel like we did a great job of that today.

Q: After all the talk of comparing you to Landon and the big trade, how much more motivation does that give you today?

A: I don't need any of that to be motivated, I motivate myself. I have this chip on my shoulder. Regardless of what anybody else says, I'm always going to be motivated. It might add more fuel to the fire, but I'm always going to come out there and play like my hair is on fire.

Q: What caused that thing at the end of the game on the sideline?

A: It's all love, that's just football. I respect those guys, I respect what he (Landon Collins) did in his career. It's just football, there's nothing to it.

Q: There was some trashing talking going back and forth?

A: Yeah, you know how that goes.

Q: Was that going on throughout the game?

A: Yeah, we were talking throughout the game.

Q: You guys are on opposite sides of the ball.

A: You mean specifically me and him, no. Like I said, it's just football there's nothing really to it.

LB Markus Golden

Q: How similar was the stuff you did in the second half last week? You also said you saw a difference in your guys during practice.

A: I can't give you all of that man. No, but coach and them just telling us what we need to do and go out there to fix our mistakes and we haven't been able to do it. We've been hard on ourselves at practice, running around there being hard on each other by making sure we're doing our assignment and it's starting to pay off. 

Q: How much does the coverage in the secondary helping you guys up front in a game like this?

A: Always, always. That's every game. We aren't going to get any sacks if we don't have any coverage and we're going to get any interceptions if we don't have any of the rest. It's a team sport, that's what everybody has to remember. It's a team sport and you need everybody to be able to get after that quarterback. 

Q: What is it about the way you play that allows you to get the takeaways today?

A: Just flying around and making plays. The ball was in the air. Most turnovers come on tipped balls. When that ball tips, you have to be able to grab it. I feel like we did that today. 

Q: The way you're playing with whatever changes you made, is this the something you think you can carry into the rest of the season now and play more like you did this week rather than how you did the first three?

A: Yes. I have to think like that. I have to stay positive. I have to think like that because we're doing it, so I feel like we can keep it going if we keep working together and keep pushing each other, but most of all, keep working hard. Everything will be alright. 

Q: Turnovers

A: It's big. Any time you can stop them from getting points and take points off the board from them or take the chance from them to score a touchdown, that's big time because the offense can come out and get a touchdown and go up by even more. That was big for us. 

Q: That can change the momentum too?

A: That's big time. A lot of momentum can get the defense hyped and feed off and hold onto the offensive side, too. 

Q: How was the first drive when they switched quarterbacks with (Dwayne) Haskins in? Does that change up the way that you guys prepare when there is a different quarterback under center? Does that throw you a little bit as a defense?

A: It depends. Haskins is a little bit mobile. But it didn't change today. We were just out there getting after the quarterback. No matter what, the plan was to rush and get after him. I felt like we were doing that. 

Q: How key was it for the Giants to have a defensive performance like they did today?

A: It's a big key. It's big time. Anytime you can come out and perform together at a high level, it's motivation for everybody. You get to watch the film, watch everybody flying around. I felt the energy. Everybody was celebrating and having a good time. That's always good and it's always good for everybody to feed off. 

Q: Two weeks ago, Jackrabbit (Janoris Jenkins) in this locker room said what he said about, if I remember correctly, about pass-rush needs to get there more. That could have been a moment where the team argued or had some fighting. It seems to have galvanized the defense. It seems like it went the other way.

A: It didn't man. That happened two weeks ago, so we're going to leave that over two weeks ago and move on. 

Q: I'm saying, did it spark you?

A: Me and the team come motivated. If you're in the NFL, you better be motivated or don't come. It's the NFL. Everybody wants to be in the NFL. If you need that to motivate you, then you might as well not even be here. So, we were all motivated to go out there and work together and make plays. That's what it's about. 

Q: This is what you guys had in mind then, hand in hand pass rushing?

A: Always. Always. That's football for you. It will never change. It will always be football. It's a team sport. You have to get out there and get after it, together. 

Q: I think you guys got off to a faster start after really struggling those first three weeks in the first half especially.

A: We were really just doing it in practice. We were hard on ourselves in practice. This week in practice, when we first started, we were out there flying around and telling each other from the beginning that we have to fly around. So, it carried over to the game.

CB Janoris Jenkins

Re: Bounce-back game for Jenkins individually and the defense as a unit
A: We played great. We played all around great football: defense, special teams, offense. I just think we started fast this week and we kept our feet on the gas.

Q: Personally, last week, obviously you struggled. Today you have the two interceptions, what does that feel [like] for you- you talked a lot about letting it go? A: I just played football, man, like I told you last week. Ain't no pressure; you have games like that. I came out this week and worked in practice, critiqued what I did wrong last week, and I came out and played football.

Q: How does it feel to get rewarded for that hard work? A: It feels good, it feels good. Like I said, it's a team win all around: offense, defense, [and] special teams. Everybody playing fast, everybody wants the ball and trying to make plays.

Q: Is there a part of you that feels like you've answered some of your critics? A: All I read about is what's going on in the locker room. Outside noise, I hear it, but I don't think [about it] too much. Like I told you, there ain't no pressure, it's football. You're going to have a good week, you're going to have a bad week, it's just all about how you bounce back.

Q: The feeling in the locker room as compared to after Game Two? A: It's a good feeling. We finished the first quarter, now we're on to the second quarter –we've got to see how that goes. Just come out, to see the work (inaudible).

Q: What you said here, two weeks ago, do you feel like that was a turning point? What you said after the last home game [against Buffalo]? A: Two weeks ago, what [did I say]?

Q: After the last home game when you said…? A: Man, we aren't worrying about two weeks ago. We're worrying about what's ahead of us.

Q: But it seems to have sparked guys. Whatever you call it: you called out guys' leadership, whatever it was, it seems to have sparked these guys. A: If you want to call it that, all I know is that guys came to work each and every day and they played football.

Q: For you guys defensively, how important was it for the offense to come out [to start the game] and get that touchdown? A: We would've had to come up with a stop if they didn't get it. The offense has a lot of confidence in us and I'm glad they're playing great. We just have to keep playing the same way and we are looking forward to the rest of the season.

Q: What did you see on the first pick [for you]? A: For me? They tried to hit me with a little double move, playing a little out-and-up, I kept my eyes on my man and just turned up the field for it {for the interception].

Q: What about on the second one? A: I just think he threw it blindly to [Vernon] Davis because he looked like he was about to block, so it hit me in my hand and it looked like he wasn't even ready for it. Up front, our guys got after him and he [Dwayne Haskins] threw it quick and threw it high.

Q: When a rookie quarterback comes in, do you feel like you have a chance to take advantage of this a little bit? A: When a rookie comes in, you get excited, but at the end of the day, it's the NFL; you never know how they can perform. You just have to be on your toes and play football.

Q: You guys are playing a rookie quarterback [in Daniel Jones], can you tell a big difference between Daniel [Jones] and Dwayne [Haskins]? A: I just love my quarterback; I don't want to do any comparing, I just love my quarterback with the way he played, came out and how he's undefeated is awesome.

Q: What happened at the end there with Jabrill [Peppers] and Landon [Collins] at the end of the game? It looks like they got into it a little bit. A: I don't even know, to be honest. I wasn't even over there, but I'm sure it wasn't anything that major. I'm sure they'll talk about it later, call each other and apologize, but it is just part of football.

Q: Do you still talk to Landon [Collins]? A: Oh yeah, I talk to Landon all of the time. I wish him well, wish him the best and stay in communication with him.

Q: What did you think about Jabrill's [Peppers] pick when he picked that ball off? A: He's a playmaker; we know that. It's just all about getting the ball in our hands and when he got it in his hands, you see what he can do.

Q: What about the defense as a whole? You guys were under fire those first two games of the season, after the Cowboys and Bills games, it was like "Are they going to be able to stop anybody?" and now you just held this team [Washington] to three points. How did it turn so quickly? A: We just believed in each other; like I said man, keep playing football, understand what is coming and what is not coming, and just continue to play football.

Q: Coach [Pat] Shurmur said you made some tweaks on defense. Can you explain what you guys did to kind of slow down this offense? A: it's just a little tweak, nothing major; me on the left and [DeAndre] Baker on the right.