AFC Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

Colts DC Matt Eberflus said they are focusing on correcting their mistakes in pass coverage after experiencing some confusion on certain plays in Week 1. 

“We are working through those,” Eberflus said, via Kevin Bowen of 1075TheFan. “The guys did a good job in a lot of those instances and we made the corrections (Tuesday), like we always do, and we are moving forward to the next week.”

Everflus admitted there’s “no question” they must improve in their coverage after allowing Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew to complete 19 of 20 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns. 

“There’s no question we have to improve that and we will improve that,” Eberflus said. “We have confidence in our process. We have confidence in our players and we have confidence in our scheme. There’s no question that has to improve and it will improve.”

Colts’ new DT DeForest Buckner said he didn’t play up to his own standards in Week 1. 

“The way I played didn’t meet the high standards I hold for myself,” Buckner

Colts OC Nick Sirianni said that using their running backs in the Colts’ passing attack was “definitely an emphasis.”

“That definitely was an emphasis for us,” Sirianni said. “We knew that could bring more value to the passing game. (Offensive line coaches) Chris Strausser and Klayton Adams did a great job studying it and our staff did a fabulous job studying it. Credit it our coaches and obviously our players to get (guys) in the right position and then the players of executing it. Was really pleased with how that part of our game looked Sunday.”

Texans

Texans RB David Johnson said his Week 1 debut for the team “felt great” but believe he could’ve been even more productive. 

“I felt great,” Johnson said, via Aaron Wilson. “I felt great being out there and our line did a great job blocking for me. It made my job a lot easier. Moving forward, I can’t wait to get going. Really, I just build on it. Breaking more tackles, I think to myself I still had a couple more yards I left on the field, and I’ve just got to improve on that aspect.”

Johnson said he ran a “couple routes” incorrectly in Week 1, which led to Deshaun Watson looking away from him. 

“In the passing game, a couple routes I wish I could’ve got back where Deshaun was looking for me and I just ran the wrong route. So, continue to correct those mistakes and build from that.”

Texans HC Bill O’Brien praised Johnson’s ability as a running back and receiver after his quick transition to their team. 

“He’s a very good player,” O’Brien said. “He’s a good runner. He’s good in the passing game. I think there’s a lot of things that he probably feels like, ‘You know what? I can do this better and that better. He really hadn’t played in a long time, just like a lot of guys. He’s big, he’s strong. He’s a great guy. Awesome guy to coach, always looking to get better. So, yeah, we’re glad we have him.”

Titans

• Per ESPN’s Turron Davenport, Titans OLB coach Shane Bowen said they’re still working OLB Vic Beasley back and when he’s healthy, he’ll play: “It’s hard right now without being able to throw him out there too much. Ultimately it comes down to health and when he’s comfortable going out there. As soon as he’s healthy and ready to roll he’s going to be thrown into the fire.”
• Bowen notes there are still some things to work on with OLB Jadeveon Clowney in the scheme despite his past familiarity with the system: “For for the first go around, I thought he did a good job. We have to keep teaching him our system, hopefully he keeps learning. I thought he played hard. We just have to clean up some of the little things.” (Erik Bacharach)
• The Titans could also take another step toward being full strength at outside linebacker soon, as Derick Roberson (knee) returned to the practice field: “He’s still knocking off some rust, but it’s going to help having him back in the rotation.” (Bacharach)
• Beasley also returned to individual drills with his teammates after previously just doing work to the side. (Bacharach)
• Titans HC Mike Vrabel said he’s not worried about RB Derrick Henry‘s workload, as evidenced by his 31 carries in Monday night’s win: “He’s not going to be on any kind of pitch count. He’s in great condition to carry it.” (Terry McCormick)