Second overtime win this season, what did you take away from this one?
"It was a lot of fun. I'm just so proud of the guys, the way they fought the entire game. There's a lot of ups and downs, adversity. I didn't play particularly well at times but our offense, defense and specials teams really stepped up big time when we needed to."
On the big 3rd down receptions by WR Torrey Smith and WR Anquan Boldin. What was it about the passing game this game?
"They did a tremendous job getting open in man coverage. Like I said, when a play needed to be made, those guys stepped up huge, especially at the end and in overtime. [WR] Quinton [Patton] catching the screen against that blitz and taking it down to the five-yard line and [K] Phil [Dawson] kicking a nice field goal. But, yeah, there's going to be, like I said, ups and downs in the game but the guys just have to trust me that I'll deliver the ball in the right spot at the right time and they made huge plays when it counted."
That was a tricky situation when you were taking the kneel down and you're so close to your end zone. What was going through your mind and what was discussed then?
"Yeah, we were on like the six-inch line, that's being conservative, but I just couldn't lose any yards. So, it really wasn't a kneel, it was kind of diving through [G/C] Daniel's [Kilgore] legs. Luckily, we got it down. There were trying to burn timeouts to push us back. We ended getting a 15-yard penalty, which made it a lot easier. But, our offensive line did a tremendous job protecting me in that situation."
What did you learn about yourself returning to action after basically two years on the sideline and getting these eight starts late in the season?
"A lot. It just came down to going out there and doing it. I trusted my guys, they played extremely well. I just wanted to go out there and lead them to the best of my ability, provide a little spark to this football team, a little juice to this offense. The season didn't go the way we wanted it to but the way we finished strong, came out there, finished the season with the win, speaks volumes for our players."
You started eight games but you've had three different running backs start with you. Has that been difficult, kind of establishing chemistry, rapport with those guys? It seemed like you had that today with RB DuJuan Harris.
"Yeah, DuJuan did a tremendous job. [RB] Mike Davis came back, played well. [RB] Kendall Gaskins, [FB] Bruce Miller, the guys stepped up and really made the most of their opportunities. DuJuan had a tremendous game today and it's always that mindset of the next man up. Injuries are always going to happen in the NFL. We know that but like I said, when your opportunity presents itself, you've got to make the most of it and our running backs definitely did that."
What did head coach Jim Tomsula say to you guys in the locker room after this one?
"He was just proud of the way we fought, the way we won the game and the way we finished the season on a high note. And that's big for this football team getting momentum going into the offseason."
Did he address his own status with you guys?
"No, and I'm not going to address any of the rumors or speculations. Nothing has been said. Biggest thing is I don't want make light of the fact we got a win today and that's huge against a good division opponent. We definitely don't take wins for granted. I want that to be the focal point leaving here."
What do you enjoy about playing for Jim and his staff this year?
"I'm just appreciative of the opportunity that they gave me. They trusted me. That takes a lot, especially coming into this situation. When he told me I was getting the nod heading into that Atlanta week, I was ready to roll and I didn't want to let those guys down because they put their necks on the line for me. I'm extremely appreciative of that and I just tried to make the most of my opportunity."
Consensus in the locker room seems to be that you guys all like Jim and want him back. What is it about him as a coach that makes you guys--?
"He's a fiery coach. Provides the energy and enthusiasm on a daily basis that the players thrive off of. The competitive nature that he instills in us that we try and take to the football field. It's been a lot of fun to play for, and I'm just thankful that he gave me the opportunity to start for the 49ers."
Do you expect to be the starting quarterback next year?
"Like I said, I'm just glad we got a win today and all the future things that are going to happen are unknown. But, I just wanted to put the best player that I could out on the field today and get a win and whatever happens, happens."
How much would you like to be here and at least have a chance to compete for that start?
"I'm going to compete. That's in my blood, that's who I am as a person: I'm going to be the starting quarterback, I'm going to be a starting quarterback, and that's the way I'm approaching this offseason. Regardless of what happens, that's my mindset moving forward and I'm going to take this team and run with it."