AFC Notes: Chargers, Ravens, Texans

Chargers

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon mentioned that it would be me a lot to him to help Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates get their first Super Bowl ring.

“Father Time is coming with my boy Gates and Phil,” Gordon said, via NFL.com. “It would mean a lot to get those guys that ring before they step down, especially Gates. I think we might lose him after this year; you never know with Gates. But it would be love to have him walk away with a ring and put that stamp on his career, so that’s definitely what we want.”

Ravens

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun writes that Kamalei Correa is the favorite to start alongside C.J. Mosley at inside linebacker this year now that Zach Orr has moved on.

Correa explained that he has a much better idea of what to expect in his second year in the NFL.

“I would say, in Year 2, you just kind of know what to expect and what’s coming,” Correa said. “You know the playbook a lot better, you know where your help is, you know what you’re doing and you’re not just running around like a chicken with his head cut off. So really, you just kind of get a better feel. And really, it’s just not so crazy.”

Now it appears as though Correa will enter training camp with a huge opportunity to secure a starting job.

“It’s really just a backup of what I’m trying to do this year, so I think it’s a good foundation,” Correa said of the support he has received from the Ravens’ coaching staff. “But at the end, it’s really up to me if I want the job or not. There’s a lot of competition, and it’s not going to be easy, so if I do get the job, then, uh … I appreciate it.”

Texans

Texans first-round QB Deshaun Watson explained that he has no issues waiting for his turn to start and learning the team’s system in the time being.

“It’s best for the team,” Watson said, via the Houston Chronicle. “Coach OB knows a lot of football. He’s been with … one of the best in NFL history in Tom Brady. He knows how everything is operated. He knows when the perfect timing will be. He knows when it’s right and when it’s wrong.

“So, I’m following their footsteps. I’m the rookie and I really don’t know no better, so I’m just kind of going with the flow, learning from the vets, learning from the coaching staff. Whenever he calls my name, I’ll make sure I’m prepared and go out and perform.”

Texans HC Bill O’Brien mentioned that Watson has done a good job of learning up to this point.

“He’s doing good,” O’Brien said. “For a rookie coming in here, he’s spent a lot of time. He’s studying hard. He has great questions. He has good answers to the questions when we kind of quiz them every morning. I’ve been impressed with all three guys. It’s a good room and he’s working hard.”