AFC Notes: Colts, Dolphins, Raiders

Colts

New Colts HC Frank Reich says he’s been “really impressed” with what he’s seen from QB Jacoby Brissett up to this point.

“I’m really impressed with Jacoby,” Reich said, via 1070thefan.com. “First from an intangible standpoint, (he has) great character, great leadership, mentally is on top of it, really a good passer, and really a good decision maker. I know it has just been 2 days, but you already see things – how quickly he processes information, gets to the right receiver. Obviously, he had a lot of great experience last year.

“Jacoby played a lot of good football last year, so I’m really glad he is here.”

Dolphins

Ndamukong Suh played 84 percent of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps last year, which leaves a lot of playing time to go around for their defensive tackles including Jordan Phillips.

Even so, Phillips isn’t concerned about shouldering more of the load this season.

“I don’t think snap count has an effect with anything,” Phillips said, via the Palm Beach Post. “I played 30 to 40 snaps last year, as well.”

Phillips did, however, admit that replacing Suh won’t be easy.

“It’s hard to replace a man like Suh, but we don’t have an option to do it,” Phillips said. “It needs to get done, so we’re going to do what it takes to get (it done).”

Phillips is in line to be an unrestricted free agent in 2019, so he plans to do what he can to reach his full potential.

“I can’t speak for everybody else,” Phillips said. “I know what I’m intending to do this year. That’s all I’m focused on. Be the best player I can be.”

Raiders

Despite being considered a top defensive talent last year, Arden Key wound up dropping to the Raiders in round three after a disappointing 2017 season at LSU.

Key is thankful for the Raiders and Jon Gruden for giving him this opportunity and he’s looking to do what he can to repay their faith in him.

“I love Jon Gruden. I love that he took an opportunity on me,” Key said, via his Twitter account. “I want to make him proud, and the Raiders proud.”

Key added that he’s looking forward to the opportunity to learn from Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin.

“I get to learn from them, especially Khalil Mack. Top-five pass rusher in the league,” Key said. “He can beat you with speed. He can beat you with power. He can spin inside, or he can beat you with a counter move. I’ve been studying him since I was in high school so it would be amazing to be able to play next to him.”