AFC South Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

Colts HC Frank Reich said there is “no question” that the team has “raised expectations” for the 2019 season after losing in last year’s Divisional Round.

“There’s no question that there’s raised expectations,” Reich said, via Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan. “We can talk forever about how, ‘Hey, it’s a whole new year, got to start fresh.’ (But) everybody in the world is thinking we’re going to go further than we went last year.”

Frank added the Colts intend on reemphasizing the “same mindset” as they had last season 

“We get in our building, we get in the meeting room and we keep the same mindset we had last year,” Reich said. “And that mindset works. I know everybody knows that. And that’s not going to change. So one of the things as a coach, you find ways to continually reemphasize that same mindset. And you really count on the players to keep that same mindset.”

Texans

• John McClain of the Houston Chronicle writes that by all accounts, Texans RB D’Onta Foreman is “ready, willing and able” to play after recovering from a torn Achilles’ tendon. McClain adds that the team is excited about what he can contribute to the offense in his third season.
• McClain expects the Texans’ defense to be “terrific” defending the run but he still thinks they could use a third pass rusher behind J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, which would “ideally” be OLB Whitney Mercilus.
• As for the rest of the defense, McClain mentions that the Texans’ secondary is a “big question mark” with their cornerbacks being “suspect.” 

Titans

• Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official site expects QB Marcus Mariota to continue making plays inside and outside of the pocket, as opposed to focusing on being more of a pocket passer this season. Wyatt adds that the extra weight Mariota has put on should help him absorb hits a little more. 
• According to Wyatt, Titans RB David Fluellen gained “16-17 pounds” and will receive playing time at fullback. 
• Wyatt says TE Ryan Hewitt is behind Delanie Walker, Jonnu Smith, MyCole Pruitt, and Anthony Firkser on the depth chart and will need to perform well in training camp to secure a roster spot. 
• Regarding Titans’ first-round DL Jeffery Simmons (ACL) availability, Wyatt thinks it’s “too early” to tell if he will play this season, given that he is just five months removed from surgery. 
• Wyatt notes that Simmons’ injury usually requires an 8-9 month recovery time and it “wouldn’t surprise” him if the rookie missed the entire 2019 season.