AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Patriots

Broncos

Broncos HC Vance Joseph explained that having Case Keenum in place as the team’s starting quarterback has lifted weight off of Paxton Lynch‘s shoulders and will allow him to simply focus on getting better each day.

“I think for Paxton and our football team it’s been a weight off all of our backs to have a starting quarterback and have everyone’s role defined from Day 1,” Joseph said, via DenverBroncos.com. “So for Paxton, he can relax and get better each day and not worry about a competition. I think for Paxton being around Case also — I mean, Case has been through some ups and downs in his career, so he can learn from Case on how to handle those things. It takes time to be an NFL quarterback. You would hope with Case being here, he can sit back and relax and get better as a quarterback and not worry about being the guy right now and just compete to be our backup.”

Chargers

• Eric Williams of ESPN mentions that two undrafted free agents who flashed during the Chargers’ first day of rookie minicamp where cornerbacks Tony Brown and Brandon Facyson.
• Williams adds that San Diego State TE Darryl Richardson made a couple of nice catches and QBs Nic Shimonek and Troy Williams threw the ball well.
• If the Chargers are to add at any positions this summer, Williams believes linebacker and offensive line are two areas to watch along with tight end, running back and defensive tackle.

Patriots

The Patriots decided not to give anyone the defensive coordinator title this offseason, even though many expected the team to promote Brian Flores as Matt Patricia’s replacement.

Flores says he isn’t worried about what his specific title is with the team and is instead focused on doing his job.

“I’ve never been big on titles,” Flores said, via the Providence Journal. “I’m here to work. I’m here to help this team win any way I can. I think I’ve always said that in some form or fashion. Yeah, if they want me to get water I’ll get water. If that’s the role you need to help us win then that’s what I’ll do. … This is a team sport, so everyone has different roles … and those roles change throughout the year. It’s ever changing. So, for me personally, whatever role I’m in with this team I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and try to do everything I can to help us win.”