AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Titans

Colts

Colts DE Justin Houston said GM Chris Ballard was the “main reason” he signed with Indianapolis. 

“That was the main reason why I came here,” Houston said, via Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan. “He’s a trustworthy guy. I trust that man. To hear him talk, and to hear from someone else who still believes in me and my ability was big.”

Houston believes he will have an easier time converting to a 4-3 defensive end after playing as a 3-4 outside linebacker with the Chiefs. 

“I think it’s easier to switch from an outside linebacker to a D-end, because you are playing with your hand down,” Houston said. “I actually played in a 4-3 my first three years of college. Just have to get back used to playing with my hand in the ground the whole game again.”

Jaguars

Jaguars OC John DeFilippo said veteran OL Cedric Ogbuehi is moving “really, really well” and is taking first-team reps at right tackle. 

“Cedric Ogbuehi is moving really, really well right now and playing well,” DeFilippo said, via Daniel Popper of TheAthletic.com. “Guys like that, I don’t want to say surprised you because I saw what he did on tape. It wasn’t really surprising, but it’s been pleasant to see his athleticism.”

Popper still expects Jaguars’ second-round OT Jawaan Taylor to earn the starting right tackle role, given that Jaguars HC Doug Marrone does not put rookies into drills before they are “technically” ready. 

Titans

Titans’ veteran TE Delanie Walker said he got fluid in his lungs due to a faulty IV during a preseason game back in 2016 and “damn near died” after feeling a shortness of breath. 

“Yeah,” said Walker, via Paul Kuharsky. “I got fluid in my lungs and damn near died almost in the game. The guy just wasn’t paying attention and the fluid was out so air seeped into my. . . .”

Walker explained that he now avoids using “any kind of pain pill” on gameday. 

“Any kind of pain pill, I’m looped,” said Walker. “You can tell me the play, and I’ll run the wrong play. . . .That s— made me feel like I was on crack.”