AFC Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans

Colts

Colts’ HC Frank Reich does not like the way his offense has performed in short-yardage situations so far this season and is hoping to change that in the very near future.

“I do not like not making third and one, third and two. Even on fourth downs, if we are going for it on fourth down, I expect 100 percent,” Reich said, via Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan. “We have to coach it better and we have to play it better. I was not happy with getting stopped a few times. I know they were good inside, they have two defensive tackles that were pretty stout. Looking at it on the film, those plays can be coached better, designed better and played better. That is one area where we definitely have to improve on.”

Reich also hinted that the team may try to involve QB Jacoby Brissett more in quarterback sneak situations, as starter Philip Rivers is not quite as adept in those situations.

“Jacoby has been very successful (on QB sneaks),” Reich said. “It’s not like I would never do it with Philip, but definitely want to do it with Jacoby. And obviously, when we bring Jacoby in there it’s not just a quarterback sneak. We have to complement that. But you have to start somewhere and that was a good starting point and I’m hoping we can build off that.”

Reich also gave credit to RB Nyheim Hines following his strong performance against the Tennessee Titans.

“He works really hard at his footwork,” Reich said. “The other thing about Nyheim is he is a guy that lays in his bed at night and thinks about and envisions what he’s going to do in the open field. We talk about that as a team and try to encourage that type of stuff. Some guys just naturally do it more than others. My guess is Nyheim does that more than others. He envisions himself making those moves. Watching that touchdown pass again on film, it was impressive watching it live, but watching it on film, the footwork and his instincts in the route running, there were some technical things he did in the route that I have just seen him work time and time again that created maximum separation on the breakout and then just his speed and acceleration to then turn the corner and score, I don’t think there’s a whole lot of backs that score on that route, other than Nyheim. I think 99.9 percent of that is how hard he works at it.”

As for rookie WR Michael Pittman, the team is aware that need to continue to get him the ball, which is something that Reich, Rivers, and GM Chris Ballard are all concerned with.

“If we want to go where we want to go, he’s going to have to be a guy, like an important part, a cog in the wheel, of what we are doing. So let’s build on this momentum. There was a conscious effort to get the ball to him as we did. Chris and I talked a lot about this in his college tape, this guy is fearless in every way. When the ball is in his hands, he wants to hurt somebody. He runs very aggressively. That one shallow route he caught, he turned the corner and showed speed. He did a great job blocking and running on the reverse. That was not possession stuff. That was big-play receiver stuff. We need to see more of that.”

Jaguars

• The Jaguars have officially ruled out OL Brandon Linder (back) from Sunday’s game against the Packers.

Texans

• Texans QB Josh McCown officially ruled out from Week 10, but it is not related to injury or COVID-19. Houston also ruled out DE Charles Omenihu (hamstring) and they did not travel with the team. 
• Rookie G Cordel Iwuagwu and WR Artavis Scott are visiting with the Houston Texans, according to Aaron Wilson.