Bills
Bills QB Josh Allen made a lot of progress as a player in 2019. But what sticks with a lot of people, including Allen, is his performance in the final game of his second season where Buffalo let a lead slip away before losing in overtime to the Texans in the wildcard round of the playoffs. Allen regressed and all of his worst habits were on display on plays like heaving a bomb 50 yards downfield to a double-covered fullback or trying to lateral on a scramble. He’s looking to avoid making the same mistakes in 2020.
“I think I learned a couple lessons that game,” he said on Good Morning Football via NFL Media’s Kevin Patra. “One, not to press, being up like we were, 16-0, letting that kind of slip through our fingers there. There’s no doubt in my mind that I should have played better. There are certain things I could’ve done to help this team win that football game, and that’s going to drive me to this day.
“I think number two was the importance of a home playoff game and allowing ourselves to — well, it might be a little different this year — but having a home playoff game where you do have that energy, that excitement on your side and you can feel the momentum swing. It was very apparent during the game you felt the momentum kind of change and it sucked to be on the other side of that, for once. I learned a lot from that game. Still, every time I see highlights or whatever from it, it just kind of makes me cringe because I know we should have been put in a better position and I know I had a huge part in that. I take it very hard on myself, and I’m using that to motivate me.”
Texans
New Texans WR Randall Cobb says he and his new QB Deshaun Watson are “trying to do the best we can given the landscape” to build chemistry together without the usual benefit of offseason practices. There are a few new faces the Texans need to integrate into the offense this year but limited practice time in training camp to do it, which is a challenge as Cobb notes QB-WR chemistry is “not something that happens overnight.”
“Obviously, we’re pressed for time with the situation we’re in right now,” Cobb said via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. “We’re talking through everything, and I think that’s a big part — communication and [Watson] being comfortable and trusting me, knowing I’m going to be where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there.”
- Texans OC Tim Kelly said the offense will look different swapping in Cobb and Brandin Cooks at receiver for DeAndre Hopkins, but he’s confident in the newcomer’s resumes: “You’ve got guys who have played and performed at a high level. They bring a different style of playing the receiver position than we’ve seen the past couple of years.” (Aaron Wilson)
- Texans WR coach John Perry acknowledged the elephant in the room with Texans WR Will Fuller: “I think the biggest thing obviously is his health. He’s never had a problem working on his weaknesses and strengthening up his strengths.” (Wilson)
- Perry added the team hasn’t given up on WR Keke Coutee: “Keke has come back with a great attitude and is ready to work. Huge step for him…He’s got such an internal fire.” (Wilson)
- After basically redshirting his rookie year, Texans TE coach Will Lawing expects some progress from 2019 third-round TE Kahale Warring: “Kahale has worked his tail off, put a lot of time in the classroom. I’ve got big expectations for him. I would like to see a jump from him. We’re expecting some progress.” (Wilson)
- Texans fourth-round CB John Reid might be able to defy expectations for rookies this year and push for playing time at slot corner, per DC Anthony Weaver: “That guy operates around here like he’s a five-year vet.” (Aaron Reiss)
Titans
- Per Erik Bacharach of the Nashville Tennesseean, Titans HC Mike Vrabel told reporters Wednesday that EDGE Vic Beasley had still not reported to training camp: “I’ve reached out, have not had much conversation with him. We still look forward to getting him in here and coaching him once he gets here.”
- Titans activated LB Jayon Brown from the physically unable to perform list.
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