AFC Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Texans, Titans

“I expect him to be the guy that leads the offense,” Sirianni said, via Andrew Walker of the team’s official site. “We know how accurate he is and how he’s a great decision-maker. He’s accurate, he makes good fast decisions — so I expect that out of him in the pass game. Getting us into the right protection call, because he studies blitzes and the opposing team more than anyone I’ve ever been around.”

Sirianni added that Rivers should also help their running game by being able to read defenses at the line. 

“Then in the run game, just running the show, checking when he needs to, getting people in position to make plays,” Sirianni said. “So I just expect the same from what I’ve (experienced) — obviously we have a lot of years and a lot of history with him. Just, I expect the same Philip Rivers that we had when we were in San Diego together.”

Regarding backup QBs Jacoby Brissett and Jacob Eason, Sirianni mentioned that they are preparing all three of their quarterbacks as if they are going to play. 

“We’re just preparing all of them as if they had to play, and that’s really honestly how we’re treating every backup and every practice squad player,” Sirianni said. “Because we know we have to have confidence in every guy — and we do have confidence in every guy as far as their ability — but we have to have confidence in their mental preparation for the week to be ready to go.”

• Per the Athletic’s Zak Keefer, Colts RB Marlon Mack has taken second-round RB Jonathan Taylor under his wing despite the fact Taylor is ostensibly a threat to his job. Mack decided against any rookie hazing and Taylor says the entire running back room was focused on bringing him up to speed without the benefit of OTAs: “They told me, whatever you need, let us know. You’re only as strong as your weakest link.”
• Colts HC Frank Reich anticipates having a great 1-2 punch with Mack and Taylor: “Marlon probably has a little bit more quickness and acceleration. Jonathan has that bigger body, so when he gets into traffic, he’s a little bit harder to bring down.”
• With all the weapons on offense plus the strong offensive line, Reich said the message for Rivers is: “Don’t feel like you have to win the game for us every week.” (Keefer)

Jaguars

• John Shipley of Sports Illustrated writes Jaguars’ first-round CB C.J. Henderson “probably looked below” his top-10 selection but has been a “steady performer” throughout training camp. 
• In order for Jaguars OT Cam Robinson to get a contract extension, Shipley believes the tackle must prove he can stay healthy for a full 16 games and show more consistency in pass protection. 
• Shipley could see Jaguars RG A.J. Cann losing the starting job to Ben Bartch.
• As for Jaguars’ undrafted RB James Robinson, Shipley says he’s shown impressive agility and ability to pick up blitzes during camp. 
• Shipley tosses out WR Keelan Cole as his breakout player to watch for the Jaguars this year. 

Texans

• Per ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, the Texans listed WR Brandin Cooks (quad), FB Cullen Gillaspia (hamstring) and OLB Jonathan Greenard (ankle) as questionable for Thursday night’s game against the Chiefs. 

Titans

• According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, Titans’ new OLB Jadeveon Clowney’s one-year deal carries a base value of $13 million and can max out at $15 million. It also includes a $6.25 million signing bonus and his $5.25 million base salary is guaranteed. 
• Clowney can also earn $1.5 million in per-game active roster bonuses, $500,000 for 75 percent playing time, $250,000 for 74 percent playing time and a playoff berth, $250,000 for reaching the Pro Bowl, and $1 million for achieving 10 sacks. 
• Titans HC Mike Vrabel said the expectation is for both Clowney and OLB Vic Beasley to practice with the team for the first time Wednesday. (Erik Bacharach)