AFC Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans

Colts

Colts QB Carson Wentz has held throwing sessions with WRs T.Y. Hilton and Michael Pittman Jr., leaving the second-year receiver impressed with his physical tools, reports Michael Marot of the Associated Press.

“It was the first or second time I had thrown with him and we were running post routes and he threw like a 65-yard post route. I said, ‘Oh my goodness, I’ve got to dig down and run for that one,’” said Pittman. It’s like ‘Oh my, he’s on a mission.’ I think that’s a question for him, but I could tell whatever it is — proving himself, winning a Super Bowl or whatever — he’s just laser-focused.”

Wentz will have to adjust to Reich’s new scheme, which is predicated on run-first, and quick reads while getting the ball out fast. The new opportunity and level of talent surrounding Wentz has him excited for the 2021 season.

“There’s just a lot of talent here,” Wentz said. “I see it watching the film from last year, how they spread the ball around and get everyone involved and that excites me. I’m going to throw the ball where it’s supposed to go on each play and not just to one guy. That excites me because everyone has a different skillset and everyone’s talented.”

Jaguars

According to Jaguars’ HC Urban Meyer, rookie QB Trevor Lawrence is looking good in practice despite recently having surgery on his non-throwing shoulder.

“He had a great day yesterday, OK day today,” Meyer said, via Pro Football Talk. “I just talked to coach Schott because I knew I’d be asked that question and wanted to give the right answer. He’s not necessarily on a pitch count. They monitor every throw and if there’s anything they have to adjust, they will. It’s been full-speed ahead since the last two, three practices. When you have three quarterbacks, four quarterbacks, he’s not getting overused right now. Hour and a half practice, you just don’t get really enough throws.”

Texans

• Texans LB Christian Kirksey said their linebackers group are focusing on learning “all three” roles this offseason to help their interchangeability: “We’re a veteran group of linebackers. We’re all just learning all three linebacker roles so we can be interchangeable.” (Aaron Wilson)
• Texans HC David Culley addressed WR Will Fuller moving on to the Dolphins this offseason and believes he was a productive receiver while in Houston: “Obviously, Will did a nice job for us. That’s part of the business. They move on. We feel like with the group we have here the production is in our room.” (Aaron Wilson)
• Culley expects Texans DEs Jacob Martin and Jonathan Greenard to do well in their 4-3 system after being outside linebackers in a 3-4 scheme: “Those are two guys able to put their hands down and be productive players. That transition because of the type of players they are isn’t a big adjustment.” (Aaron Wilson)
• Texans WR Brandin Cooks explained that the organization is moving past last year’s 4-12 finish and hoping for better results: “For me, every year is a new year. Last year didn’t go the way we wanted to but we turned that page. Go back to work and grind. We hope for better. Only way to do that is work hard.” (Aaron Wilson)
• Cooks called Texans’ third-round QB Davis Mills a “smart” player who is quickly learning their offense: “The kid is smart. He went to Stanford. He’s a smart kid, picking up the offense pretty fast. The guy can sling it.” (Aaron Wilson)