AFC Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans

Colts

Colts’ RB Nyheim Hines says he hates being referred to as a “gadget” running back and plans to show he can be a well-rounded player.

“I’ve never been a gadget guy,’’ Hines said, via Mike Chappell of Fox59.com. “I hate when people call me that. I don’t think I’ve ever been that. I’ve played running back my whole life. I’ve always been able to run the ball in between the tackles. Last year I think that was a step to that. Ever since I’ve been in the NFL I’ve heard all the things – the gadget guy, too little to run in between the tackles – so I think last year was a good first step. This year I’m looking to build on that because I hate when people call me a gadget guy. I’m not a gadget guy. I’m a football player. That’s how I see it.’’

Jaguars

Jaguars’ HC Urban Meyer was not impressed with what he saw from WR D.J. Chark when looking back over his previous season in Jacksonville.

”He didn’t play well last year, and his first year he was very good,” Meyer said, via John Reid of Jackonville.com. ”I just didn’t like his size or strength. I just thought it was way below average, way below what we expect from our receivers. He was told that, and the best thing I love about DJ is that he addressed it and hit it very hard. He has gained seven pounds of muscle, and he’s playing a much more physical game.”

Chark is developing a good relationship with Meyer and is up to the challenge of having a better season this year.

“I love talking to Coach Meyer, he’s a competitor, and he’s going to push me,” Chark said. “He also knows I’m going to do what I do. I’m going to step up and make plays. I love when he pushes me to be better than what I am.”

As he usually does, Meyer gave an update on first-overall QB Trevor Lawrence and how he has looked since arriving in Jacksonville.

“I thought he looked great and had a great day,” Meyer said. “He’s making steady progress. I can’t give you the percentage of the installation, but we’ve been at it for three weeks. One of the advantages that we had with Trevor was when we started working with him a good month before practices started. He’s been great. His attention has been great and his execution has improved. His seriousness and approach to this have been fantastic.”

Texans

Texans’ QB Tyrod Taylor is looking like the starter for the 2021 season in Houston, yet he still stuck up for the play of QB Deshaun Watson.

“Deshaun played at a very high level throughout his career,” Taylor said, via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. “I’ve been a fan of his, and I know him personally, but the opportunity to be able to start here is something I look forward to. I’m looking forward to competing with the guys we have in our locker room.

Taylor also isn’t putting any added pressure on himself, as he has been in this situation before with other franchises including the Browns, Bills, and Chargers.

“As far as the pressure, I don’t think anyone will put more pressure on myself than me. I have high expectations for myself. I hold myself to a certain standard. Coming out and performing each day is what that standard is.”