AFC Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans

Colts

Colts’ veteran DE Justin Houston feels he still has “plenty in the tank” and plans to put it on display in 2020. 

“I definitely want to continue to play football,” said Houston, via Kevin Bowen of 1075TheFan. “I’ve definitely shown I still have plenty in the tank, and I’m ready to show it again. There’s still a lot left in me. I’m definitely going to show it this year. I’m ready to get started.”

Colts DL coach Brian Baker praised Houston’s consistency and that the edge rusher “understands who he is” as a player. 

“Looking at where he’s been and how he’s done it at the different positions he’s done it from, the key has been just his consistency,” said Baker. “He understands who he is as a football player. He understands who he is as a pass rusher. You see him even in walkthroughs at the tempo we do them going through those same mechanics of what makes him really good.”

Houston said he is hopeful to create more one-on-one opportunities as an edge rusher in 2020. 

“I feel like when you have a guy like that up the middle, the guard can’t slide out and help as much as he usually does,” Houston said. “They definitely have to take care of him before they take care of me, and that will give me more of a one-on-one opportunity.”

Jaguars

• Michael Lombardi of The Athletic writes that he received a top from a general manager not involved in the Yannick Ngakoue trade talks on Wednesday indicating that the Jaguars were close to trading him to an unknown team.
• Lombardi says the GM thought it might be the Jets or the Raiders. Lombardi says his source knew for sure that Ngakoue was on the move, and it would happen soon.
• Lombardi explains that whoever acquires Ngakoue will have to be able to take on his $17 million-plus cap charge and not many teams are in a position to do so right now.
• As for when a trade could happen, Lombardi expects there to be a deal in place either this weekend or next.
• Jaguars HC Doug Marrone said of the situation involving franchise DE Yannick Ngakoue, “I want what’s best for Yan…he’s done everything I’ve ever asked him to do. I think he’s an excellent football player. But now, it goes back to the business end. Where, at the end of the day, I hope everybody gets what they want.” (Michael Giardi)

Texans

• Per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Texans S Justin Reid reiterated he’s fully recovered from a torn labrum he played through last year. 
• Regarding his contract situation, Texans LB Zach Cunningham said h’s focusing on season: “Being the person that I am, it’s pretty easy for me. I’m pretty low-key anyway. I focus on what I have right in front of me.” (Aaron Wilson)
• Texans HC Bill O’Brien said of Cunningham: “We want Zach on our team. We want Zach to be on our team for a long time. Really good guy.” (Aaron Wilson)