AFC Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans, Titans

Colts

  • Colts’ GM Chris Ballard on the team retaining third-string rookie QB Jacob Eason: “He’s done everything we’ve asked of him — but he’s gotta grow and he’s gotta learn, and that’s what he’s doing.” (Zak Keefer)

Jaguars

The exodus from Jacksonville continued last week as the team traded away two prominent players and cut another. The team is the heavy favorite to finish with the worst record in the NFL this year and claim the No. 1 overall pick, which should be in high demand with Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence awaiting. Despite that, the Jaguars continue to insist they’re not tanking this season and to wait to pass judgement until they actually play a game.  

“Before we decide where we are or where we stand, let us play some games and let’s see where we are,” Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell said via NFL Media. “Let’s see how these young guys are and I know the 53 players in this locker room are excited to be here and are excited for their ability to go out there and put a good brand of football out there.”

Caldwell and others pointed out that a poor season likely costs him, HC Doug Marrone, QB Gardner Minshew and more their jobs in the offseason. He added the team also isn’t as barren as some might think. 

“I love this team. I love the energy this team brings,” Caldwell said. “I love some of the veteran leadership we brought in with Joe Schobert [and] Tyler Eifert. We’re not that young on offense. You have a guy like Chris Conley. The offensive line has all played a lot of games together. Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook, we have guys. DJ Chark Jr. So, don’t count this team out yet and I think they’ll tell you the same thing. We can’t afford a rebuilding year and that’s not our mindset. Our mindset is to put the best team out there to play, to compete, and to win.”

  • Marrone said Jaguars RB Ryquell Armstead, currently on the COVID-19 list for the second time in the past several weeks, will be out for a while. (Hays Carlyon)

Texans

  • Per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Texans QB Deshaun Watson acknowledged 2020 has been a bit of a rollercoaster so far, especially given the trade of WR DeAndre Hopkins and his new mega-deal: “It’s a lot. I never get too high and I never get too low. Blessings have been coming, I’ve been taking advantage of them. It’s been a weird 2020, but it’s definitely been a blessing in my life.”

Titans

  • Per Jim Wyatt of the official team website, Titans HC Mike Vrabel said he expects OLB Jadeveon Clowney to finish the testing process, sign his contract and be in the building by Tuesday. 
  • Titans S Kevin Byard expects big things from Clowney: “He’s a guy that can wreck a whole game plan. … I think his impact is going to be immense.” (Erik Bacharach)

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