AFC South Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

Colts’ second-year WR Parris Campbell called his rookie season “very taxing” after dealing with numerous injuries, including a preseason hamstring injury, sports hernia surgery in Week 4, a broken hand in Week 9,  and fractured foot in Week 14.

“It was very taxing,” Campbell said, via Andrew Walker of the team’s official site. “Especially for someone (like me), I had never experienced anything like that.”

Campbell added that he is fully recovered from his issues in 2019 and has been able to run without any restrictions for the past two months. 

“I’m 100 percent,” said Campbell. “I say that with a smile because it’s fun doing that stuff again.”

Cambell mentioned that his top goal this offseason was to develop a routine in order to keep his body healthy and prepared for the NFL season. 

“My No. 1 goal of all (this year) was to have a set routine, and, like I said, just going back to taking care of my body … eating the right things, making sure I’m filling myself with the right things … and playing every game that we play,” Campbell said. “I wanna be on the field. I feel like if I’m on the field it’s an advantage for us.”

As for where he could line up in 2020, Campbell feels he provides mismatches against safeties and linebackers as a slot receiver. 

“I think slot receiver is all about matchups, and that’s where the gameplan and the scheme comes in,” Campbell said. “But a lot of times when you’re in the slot, unless the defense is in nickel and bringing in an extra DB, a majority of the time you’re lined up against safeties, sometimes even linebackers, who aren’t, I don’t want to say as athletic, but the speed may not be up to par. So it’s definitely just a matchup thing, and having the things that I have, I think it just works well.”

Texans

Texans QB Deshaun Watson spoke with the media about his contract situation in Houston but mentioned that he was firmly focused on being the best player he can for the team next season.

“That’s definitely something that is not under the rug,” Watson said, via Mark Berman. “My main focus is just being the best teammate, best leader, best quarterback I can be and whenever that time comes with my agent and the organization, the timing is going to be right. For me right now, the focus is on being the best teammate, getting the new guys on the same page with me as the quarterback of this offense and making sure I’m staying healthy and ready to go whenever they call me, call us in to go play.”

• Watson said of Texans OC Tim Kelly calling the plays: “Tim is going to kill it. Tim is going to do great. We’re already on a great start. We built a great relationship starting last year. I’m looking forward to it.” (Aaron Wilson)
• Watson mentioned that he’s happy for LT Laremy Tunsil securing a record deal this offseason: “It was awesome. Definitely well-deserved for him & his family. He’s definitely gonna make sure that he’s doing whatever he can to help us win.” (Mark Berman)

Titans

Titans CB Adoree Jackson told reporters on Friday that it’s “truly a blessing” to have the team pick up his fifth-year option. 

“It’s truly a blessing to be able to have that fifth-year option picked up,” Jackson said, via Pro Football Talk. “It’s kind of like insurance. They believe in you, have faith in what you can bring and what you add to this team. I was thankful when I got the ball from J-Rob [General Manager Jon Robinson]. I was just excited, just smiling and happy. I love being a part of the Titans.”

Jackson admitted there have been ups and downs, but he’s looking to build on what he’s accomplished up to this point. 

“I just kept playing ball, understanding that things might have been going the way I wanted it to,” Jackson said. “But I never doubted myself or gave up. Having faith in myself and my game and praying was a big thing. There’s going to be ups and downs. You don’t want the downs to outweigh the ups or the ups to outweigh the downs. You’ve got to stay level-headed, and that’s what I remain doing and knowing things were going to pan out. So I didn’t beat myself up too much about everything or anything.”