AFC Notes: Browns, Colts, Jaguars

Browns

Browns’ new OC Alex Van Pelt said he could “easily call plays” next season if asked by HC Kevin Stefanski. 

“I could easily call plays,” Van Pelt said, via ProFootballTalk. “I work for Kevin and am excited to do whatever role he wants me to do. Right now, I am coordinating and helping set this offense up with some good coaches.”

Van Pelt mentioned that their new offense will feature a lot of play-action. 

“Play action will be a big part of what we do,” Van Pelt said.

Van Pelt added that he hopes to improve Browns QB Baker Mayfield‘s footwork on dropbacks. 

“The feet never lie,” Van Pelt said. “It all starts with the feet. Just some of the ways that we will have him drop both from under center and in the gun will change slightly to help him.”

Colts

Colts’ veteran LB Justin Houston said he is feeling healthier now than he has over the last few years. 

“I’m healthy and feel great,” Houston said, via Kevin Bowen of 1075TheFan. “I haven’t felt like this in years. To feel like this at this point in my career is amazing.”

Houston added that he enjoyed his first season with the Colts and feels the organization is “heading in the right direction.” 

“I love this organization,” Houston said. “I think it’s a great franchise. I love the owner. I love playing for Chris (Ballard) and Frank (Reich) and a great group of guys. It was different, I had to get used to the scheme, but I think it’s a great group of guys that are heading in the right direction.”

Jaguars

• NFL Media’s Gil Brandt writes that Jaguars HC Doug Marrone doesn’t necessarily need to make the playoffs to save his job in 2020.
• Brandt references owner Shad Khan saying his expectations were to “compete for the playoffs” and how retaining Marrone and GM Dave Caldwell made it clear the team believes former EVP Tom Coughlin was more to blame for Jacksonville’s issues. 
• Rebuilding the defense and developing QB Gardner Minshew are two of Marrone’s top priorities, per Brandt.