AFC Notes: Colts, Jets, Titans

Colts

Like anyone else taking a new job after 16 years in one place, new Colts QB Philip Rivers faces some adjustments moving to Indianapolis after close to two decades with the Chargers. But Colts GM Chris Ballard targeted Rivers in free agency because he believed the veteran made the team Super Bowl contenders and Rivers has completely bought into what he needs to do to help make that a reality. 

“He has a tremendous internal drive to be a great teammate, to win, to be the best he can be,” Ballard said via Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star. “He has had to buy into some things that we do here nutritionally and workout-wise that he’s never had to experience before. It’s different for him, but he’s bought into it. His love for the game and football, and his teammates, they are going to feel it even more now that he’s here in the building.”

• Kevin Bowen of 1075TheFan takes a look at five Colts’ players with the “most to prove” in 2020: 1) DT DeForest Buckner, 2) S Malik Hooker, 3) QB Philip Rivers, 4) WR T.Y. Hilton and 5) CB Xavier Rhodes.

• Colts OC Nick Sirianni said he still sees the “same passion” in QB Philip Rivers: “I still see the same passion for the game, the same teammate he was … the consistency is there. 16 years in the NFL? That’s great leadership (for our team). It’s like having another coach.” (Zak Keefer)

Jets

• New Jets S Bradley McDougald discussed replacing Jamal Adams, who is headed to Seattle in exchange for him: “I can’t be Jamal. I’m not the same person as Jamal. The only thing I can do is show up every day and be the best Bradley McDougald and hopefully, that wins my coaches, my players, and the fans over.” (Mehta)
• Despite CB Blessuan Austin being the fan-favorite, Connor Hughes of The Athletic believes that CB Quincy Wilson could potentially win the second cornerback spot opposite Pierre Desir.
• Hughes lists receivers Braxton Berrios and Vyncint Smith as two of his dark horses entering training camp.
• According to Hughes, the Jets starters on the offensive line from left to right will include Mekhi Becton, Alex Lewis, Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, and George Fant.

Titans

Titans QB Ryan Tannehill offered some high praise for rookie RB Darrynton Evans, who will head into the 2020 season as the backup to RB Derrick Henry.

“I was able to throw with him down in Florida several times over the offseason,” Tannehill said, via Paul Kuharsky. “And obviously, he’s been here as well. Just a talented guy. He’s very explosive, very fast. Granted, catching the football, really natural. When you see a running back catch the ball naturally, whether they’re coming out of the backfield or split out wide, it definitely adds another element to the offense and can give defenses a hard time. I’m really excited about having Darrynton with us.”

• Titans OC Arthur Smith also discussed the potential of Evans: “It’s how much can he handle. We liked what he did at Appalachian State. We’re optimistic about it.” (Turron Davenport)
• Smith added that QB Logan Woodside was essentially a quality control coach on offense when he was on the practice squad and IR in 2019. (Terry McCormick)