AFC Notes: Colts, Ravens, Texans

Colts

• According to 1070TheFan’s Kevin Bowen, the defensive tackle group for the Colts has a lot to prove in 2019, as projected starters Margus Hunt and Denico Autry are both converting from defensive end. 
• Bowen writes the Colts need starting safeties Malik Hooker and Clayton Geathers to stay healthy this year. 
• Bowen mentions the depth at linebacker as another potential concern for Indianapolis in 2019. 
• Per Bowen, the Colts’ wide receiver group behind T.Y. Hilton, led by free-agent WR Devin Funchess and second-round rookie Parris Campbell, also need to step up to provide consistency. 

Ravens

Ravens backup QB Robert Griffin III said the additions of rookie receivers Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin will help create “mismatches” in the passing game.  

“This game is about mismatches and that’s what we’re trying to create,” Griffin said. “You get a guy like Hollywood [Marquise Brown], it’s a speed mismatch. When you get a guy like Boykin, it’s a height and reach mismatch. Get them in situations where they can be successful. If we can get Hollywood out there in training camp, it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Because the guys we have out there already, I think, are playing phenomenal. It’s exciting.”

Texans

The Texans signed backup QB A.J. McCarron only five days after firing GM Brian Gaine. McCarron said Texans HC Bill O’Brien was the driving force behind the signing, as O’Brien apparently holds McCarron in high regard.

“He really comes in here and approaches every day in a very professional way,” O’Brien said via USA Today’s Mark Lane. “He shows up on the days when the vets have off. He comes in with the rookies. He works with the rookies. He’s really put a lot of time into learning this offense and hopefully we can see the reward of that type of labor when we get to training camp.”