Sammy Morris, Running Back

(On the Texans' defense)

"They've got some guys that do a lot of good things back there, like DeMeco Ryans and [Brian] Cushing are going to the Pro Bowl. They've done a good job in making tackles and rushing the passer."

(On going to the playoffs)

"The reason you play the game is to win championships. To win championships, obviously, you have to get into the playoffs. It's big. I'm ready to get started, but we have to take it one game at a time."

James Sanders, Safety

(On seeing more playing time of late)

"Of course, you'd like to be out there every game, starting. Obviously, coaches have an idea of what they want to do with certain things. But all I can control is my attitude and preparation every week. Then, when I'm called on to perform, it's just to be ready to perform."

(On lending advice to teammates while he wasn't starting)

"I still talked to all the guys, letting them know what I see, or if they were down, just keeping them positive and into it. Because you never know when you're number is called. We all have to be prepared. When you're called on to perform, you have to perform at a high level."

(On waiting for his chance to play)

"It's frustrating when you want to be out there. You want to help the team out as much as possible when you've been out there through a lot of battles with those guys. But all I can do is what I'm asked to do and - at that time - it wasn't my time to play. It came to me now and I'm getting my chance. And I'm trying to make the most of it."

Jerod Mayo, Linebacker

(On how the defense has grown)

"I think we've grown as a defense over the ebbs and flows of the season. Sometimes they get to you, but I think the guys have done an excellent job bouncing back and making plays."

(On his ability to bounce back from injury this season)

"I've just been taking it one day at a time. I'm doing what the coaches are asking me to do each and every week. I'm not making a big deal about this last game [last week]. I felt like I've played well the last couple of weeks. But anytime you win a game, everybody loves you this time of year."

(On whether the defense rediscovered its swagger)

"You could say that. But I think pretty much as long as guys know the game plan and going out and executing and that we played well at the end of the day. I think we're in the top five somewhere in points per game given up. I'm proud of these guys and hopefully we can continue it through the playoffs."

(On whether the injury has affected his play)

"Whatever coach wants me to play, whatever he tells me, I'm going to try to go out and do it. I just try to go out and do my job every day. Whatever comes to me will come."

(On getting to the playoffs for the first time in his career)

"I am [excited]. But at the same time, right now, my focus is on the Texans. We're preparing to go out and get that victory."