AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Titans

Colts

Colts TE Eric Ebron was largely able to put the drops that had defined much of his career behind him last year. Sunday, though, they returned with a vengeance as he dropped three of the five passes thrown his way, though he held onto one for a touchdown. Ebron told reporters he “just wasn’t myself last Sunday” and he let the drops “linger.” After an extra session on the JUGGS machine, he’s feeling back in the right head space. 

“I’ll just go back to being me,” Ebron said, via the Indianapolis Star. “And stop thinking too much.”

Colts WR Deon Cain was thrust into the starting lineup following the injury to WR Devin Funchess that landed him on injured reserve for at least half the season. However, the second-year receiver hasn’t been able to make much of a mark with just three catches on 11 targets. The team is confident that will come in time as he continues to build chemistry with QB Jacoby Brissett.

“It’s just kind of funny, we just have not been able to connect with Deon yet,” Colts HC Frank Reich said via Joel Erickson of the Indy Star. “Deon just has to continue to play aggressive and play tough and just keep running good routes. We just feel confident the ball will get his way and he’ll start making some good, nice catches for us.”

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer mentions Colts OC Nick Sirianni and DC Matt Eberflus as candidates who could draw head coaching interest this offseason. 

Jaguars

According to Adam Caplan, it would likely take an “astronomical offer” for the Jaguars to trade CB Jalen Ramsey that could be more than two first-round picks. 

“My understanding is…I don’t think they (Jax) will trade him,” Caplan said. “They don’t want to be in position to worsen their football team…it would take an astronomical offer – two ones won’t get it done.”

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes that it makes sense for the Jaguars to hold on to CB Jalen Ramsey unless owner Shad Khan is blown away by a deal. That way any new general manager could make the call for themselves on Ramsey, while Tom Coughlin would still be able to trade him if he survives this season.
• Breer mentions Jaguars OC John DeFilippo as a potential head coaching candidate if Gardner Minshew keeps playing well.
• ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports nothing has changed from Ramsey’s side and the corner still wants to be traded. 
• Jaguars HC Doug Marrone maintains he has a good relationship with Ramsey: “Jalen and I have a great relationship. Even with this injury, he’s on the sideline and cheering his teammates on. Jalen is focusing on getting better.” (Will Selva)
• Ramsey missed practice again Thursday with his back injury. (James Palmer)

Titans

Titans OT Taylor Lewan will make his return this week from a four-game suspension. Lewan plays the game with an edge and wears his emotions on his sleeve, as was clear in the video he released announcing his suspension when the veteran offensive tackle choked up. However, he’ll try to keep his emotions in check during his return and channel them toward positive ends. 

“Anytime you’re put in a situation like this, you have two choices: you can let it beat you up or you can grow from these types of things. And I believe that I’ve grown from it,” Lewan said, via the Tennessean’s Erik Bacharach. “I’ve prepared as much as I possibly could for the opportunity coming up Sunday. And now I’m excited to be back. It’s a unique feeling. These guys have been in it. They’ve been in the grind, and for me to come back in after four weeks, kind of fit back in to what they’re trying to do and what these coaches are trying to establish as a culture, keep that moving. There’s been a lot of time for reflection, for sure.”