AFC Notes: Colts, Jets, Ravens

Colts’ fourth-round QB Jacob Eason said he understands his role as Philip Rivers‘ and Jacoby Brissett’s backup. 

“I think it’s an outstanding opportunity for me to go in and learn,” Eason said. “I’m going to take that and do the best I can to study Philip and study Jacoby and also improve my own game.”

Ballard added that Eason will compete with Chad Kelly for the Colts’ No. 3 quarterback role. 

“Well, he’s got talent, but there is a long way to go — he still hasn’t even put on a Colts uniform,” Ballard said. “Like any of them, they’ve got to earn it. Right now he is competing with Chad Kelly. Philip Rivers and Jacoby are our first two and Jacob and Chad are competing for the three-spot. Let’s slow our roll a little bit in terms of tagging this guy as the next messiah walking into town. He was a fourth-round pick. We didn’t move up to the first pick of the draft. Jacob’s got talent. He’s got to work, and he’s got to earn it.”

Jets

Jets DC Gregg Williams said he was excited to see the team sign veteran RB Frank Gore and pointed out the back’s leadership qualities. 

“I absolutely love that we signed him! His leadership will be huge for us. I have tremendous respect for him as a player and competitor. He’s one of the best I’ve had to game plan against!” said Williams, via Mike Silver. 

Ravens

• Former Ravens G Marshal Yanda spoke about his decision to retire after a 13-year career and ending his career with a 14-2 record on the Pat McAfee Show: “I was not willing to risk another injury for another year. I just couldn’t do it. That rehab is life-draining.”
• Former NFL WR Steve Smith who finished his career out with the Ravens acknowledged that it can be a challenging system for receivers: “I’m a wide receiver, and my question is always going to be how is this passing game going to develop? I hate to say it this way, but as a wide receiver, I loved to block. But I didn’t wake up trying to block and run 70 plays a game and 68 of the 70 are run plays. Because then when the contract season comes up, you have leverage because my numbers aren’t up.” (105.7 The Fan)