AFC Notes: Broncos, Texans, Titans

Broncos

2020 is a key season for Broncos OT Garett Bolles. Once seen by Denver as their future at left tackle, Bolles has struggled, notably with penalties, and will have to compete for the starting job in a contract after the team also declined his fifth-year option. So far, though, Broncos HC Vic Fangio says Bolles is starting off on the right foot. 

“I do think Garett — I saw him the other day — has had a very good offseason,” Fangio said via Mike Klis of KUSA. “I think he feels he’s in his best spot both physically, mentally and emotionally than he’s ever been in during his career. I think he feels good coming back with the same offensive line coach for the first time I think in his career. He’s had me as the head coach now for two years. I think the arrow is up as far as it goes for Garett. That’s easy to say here as we sit late-July. We’ll see how it unfolds.”

Texans

Regarding his contract negotiations with the Texans, QB Deshaun Watson said his agent is “going to take care of that” and is focused on training ahead of the 2020 season. 

“I have an agent. He’s going to take care of that. My main focus is staying healthy and making sure my team is ready to play,” said Watson, via Aaron Wilson.

Watson added that he is “locked in” with the Houston franchise and intends on continuing his career with the Texans. 

“I’m here. I love the organization. I love the McNairs. I love the city. I love the fan base.’ Wants to win a championship ‘I’m a Houston Texan. I’m locked in on being a Texan,” said Watson, via Wilson.

When asked about WR DeAndre Hopkins‘ trade to the Cardinals, Watson said training camp is “definitely a little different.” 

“It’s definitely a little different. That’s part of the business. We’ve got some great guys that came in, veteran guys who’ve played a lot of football,” said Watson, via Wilson.

Watson said he still has a “great relationship” with Hopkins but wouldn’t provide further comments on his trade. 

“I can’t control that. I feel the way I feel, but it’s not my place and time to speak on that. I didn’t know everything that happened. I know me and Hop have a great relationship. I know me and [Bill O’Brien] have a great relationship,” said Watson, via Aaron Reiss. 

Watson expects WR Will Fuller to become “one of the best receivers” in the NFL next season. 

“Will is going to ball out. Will is going to be one of the best receivers in the league. He came back a lot faster and a lot stronger. I’m very confident in what he can do,” said Watson, via Wilson.

As for new Texans WR Brandin Cooks, Watson said their chemistry has come naturally for them. 

“That chemistry came natural. Since we signed him, we’ve definitely built that chemistry. He’s a great person. He’s a guy you want to be around. He played with Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Jared Goff. He’s giving me knowledge and he’s learning from me,” said Watson, via Wilson.

Titans

• Although Jim Wyatt of the team’s official site writes that Titans’ third-round RB Darrynton Evans has been praised by QB Ryan Tannehill, Evans’ playing time will likely depend on what the rookie “can handle” early on in the 2020 regular season. 
• As for Titans’ first-round OT Isaiah Wilson being placed on the team’s COVID-19 list, Wyatt points out that the rookie will have obvious “catching up to do” given the lack of a true offseason program for him.