AFC Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox is predicting big things for himself in 2021, following an offseason trade that landed the Colts QB Carson Wentz.

“I think I’ll have a better season,” Alie-Cox told TMZ this week. “Just another year under my belt, more experience, more confidence and just probably more opportunities.”

When asked about his connection with Wentz, Alie-Cox emphasized Wentz’s arm strength and accuracy.

“Strong-arm,” Alie-Cox added. “He’s accurate. It’s gonna be fun playing with him.”

Texans

Texans DL Coach Bobby King recently downplayed the complexity in Houston shifting from a 3-4 base defense to a 4-3 under new DC Lovie Smith.

“We’ve done a lot of this stuff,” King told John Harris on “Texans All Access.” “Our base defense was a 3-4. There’s no doubt about that. But the big thing is we’re going to be in three-point stances a majority of the time, and that’s the big thing for defensive ends. They’re hungry to do it, and they’re loving it so far. The two-point stance, it’s not going to be around.” (via TexansWire)

• The Athletic’s Aaron Reiss notes it’s clear new Texans GM Nick Caserio places an above-average premium on the running back position given how much the team is spending there relative to the rest of the NFL. 
• Reiss says Texans DT Brandon Dunn could be on the roster bubble in training camp as he enters the second year of a three-year, $12 million deal, as he played in less than half the snaps on defense even before injuring his hip. 
• Looking ahead to 2022, Reiss thinks it’s probable the Texans make a lot of changes in the secondary, including releasing S Eric Murray and potentially letting a number of pending free agents like S Justin Reid walk. 

Titans

Titans third-round rookie CB Elijah Molden is relying on veteran safety Kevin Byard to help with his transition from college to the NFL.

“So far, he’s taught me a lot just about how to approach the game,” Molden said, via Ben Arthur of the Nashville Tennessean. “He’s staying after and doing stuff in between practice and it’s just the attention to detail. But I’ve only been with him for a couple weeks, but I’m learning a lot from him.”