AFC Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

Colts LB coach Dave Borgonzi says that second-year LB E.J. Speed will be starting from the bottom as a backup to LB Darius Leonard after not seeing much playing time as a rookie.

“Yeah, E.J. is an interesting guy because physically you’re not going to find a guy that’s better than E.J., just in terms of size, speed. E.J. loves football. He loves to play. E.J. just needs to continue to develop,” said Borgonzi, via ColtsWire.com. “He’s from a small college, played offense in high school, played offense early in college. So just being a linebacker is relatively new to E.J. So we’re working really from the ground up and E.J.’s working really hard. He’s committed to football. He wants to be a really good player in this league, so the sky’s the limit for E.J.”

• Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan is unsure about the roles that tight ends Trey Burton and Mo Alie-Cox will have in the Colts’ offense this season, and also wonders whether FB Roosevelt Nix will affect their playing time as a blocker.
• Bowen adds that he does not see rookie Danny Pinter taking the starting job from RG Mark Glowinski, despite him having the worst season among the Colts starting offensive linemen.

Texans

Texans WR Keke Coutee has sustained ankle and hamstring injuries in the past that have hindered him, but with the shuffle within Houston’s receiver group this offseason he is eager to get on the field.

“Very hungry, very hungry,” Coutee told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “Not a lot of talking, just ready to work. Results speak for themselves in 2020. I’m just trying to get back to the basics, getting back to what I’m good at and fix the things I need to work on and, most importantly, be ready for the season.”

While the team has lost star WR DeAndre Hopkins and gained WR Brandin Cooks in a trade with the Rams, Coutee’s focus will remain on staying healthy and on the field.

“Just to be healthy and be the best teammate I can be this year and just producing where I can,” Coutee said. “Just being able to make plays when I’m called upon when the ball is coming my way, that’s the best thing I can do to make plays.”

• John McClain of the Houston Chronicle believes it’s unlikely the Jets trade S Jamal Adams but says the Texans would likely be interested.
• McClain also mentioned three players poised to have a breakout season for Houston including TE Jordan Akins, DE Charles Omenihu, and CB/S Lonnie Johnson.

Titans

• Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com writes that it’s still a “waiting game” regarding the Titans possibly signing free agent DE Jadeveon Clowney.
• Wyatt believes Clowney signing with the Titans would have no bearing on RB Derrick Henry‘s deal and whether he remains in Tennesee long term.
• Regarding the team’s defensive line unit, Wyatt says there’s no question players will need to step to offset the loss of Jurrell Casey. Wyatt mentions that the team is excited about the addition of veteran Jack Crawford and rookie Larrell Murchison‘s potential.
• Some other players who will need to step up this year include Matt Dickerson, Isaiah Mack, and Joey Ivie.