News around the AFC South: Jaguars’ Matiscik named NFLA All-Pro, Titans part ways with Vrabel, and more

A roundup of news around the AFC South

Jacksonville Jaguars

In addition to being named to his first Pro Bowl, long snapper Ross Matiscik was voted to NFLA All-Pro. Players are asked to vote for those who have been the most impactful throughout the season. Matiscik was acquired by the Jaguars in 2020 as an undrafted free agent. He has played 63 games as a Jaguar.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Houston Texans

Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month. The sixth player in Texans franchise history to earn the honor, Stingley Jr. finished Weeks 13-18 leading the NFL with three interceptions. The second-year player completed the regular season with 26 solo tackles and five interceptions.

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was named Week 18 AFC Offensive Player of the Week. During the Texans’ Week 18 matchup against division rivals the Colts, Stroud completed 20 out of 26 attempted passes for 264 yards. He finished the regular season completing 319 out of 499 for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Around SB Nation (via Battle Red Blog)

Houston Texans’ C.J. Stroud ends regular season in the stars

The best rookie quarterback season in Texans history is also one of the best in NFL history.

“Speaking of the TD/INT ratio, Stroud landed in the same conversation as Joe Montana and Tom Brady; two men in every single “greatest quarterback of all time” conversation.”

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are starting their offseason with roster moves! The team signed safeties Michael Tutsie and Kendell Brooks, and guard Lewis Kidd to reserve/future contracts. Tutsie signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in June 2023 and participated in training camp Brooks signed with the Arizona Cardinals in May 2023 as an undrafted free agent and participated in their offseason program and training camp. Kidd participated in the New Orleans Saints’ offseason program and training camp before spending Weeks 2-15 on the Colts’ practice squad.

The team released their 2024 season opponents. Along with the AFC South, the Colts will face the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and New York Jets on the road. The team will host their division rivals, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills.

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Around SB Nation (via Stampede Blue)

Colts team owner Jim Irsay hospitalized

Team releases statement saying Irsay is receiving care.

“This morning the team has announced that Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has been hospitalized with a severe respiratory illness and is receiving excellent care”

3 top Colts’ free agents each indicated their initial interest in re-signing with Indy

While nothing’s a given, several top Colts free agents already expressed interest in re-signing in Indianapolis.

Kenny Moore II, Cornerback, Michael Pittman Jr., Wide Receiver, and Grover Stewart, Defensive Tackle

Tennessee Titans

After six seasons with the Titans, the team has parted ways with Head Coach Mike Vrabel. Controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk stated, “My decision today is not only a reflection of my disappointment in our past two seasons, but also my recognition that further changes are necessary to fully achieve our vision.” Vrabel became head coach in 2018 and finished his time in Tennessee with a record of 56-48 (regular season and postseason).

Derrick Henry’s touchdown and 153 rushing yards against the Jaguars in Week 18 earned him FedEx Ground Player of the Week. FedEx will partner with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to make a $2,000 donation in Henry’s name to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Around SB Nation (via Music City Miracles)

Titans request interview with Eagles OC Brian Johnson

“Jordan Schultz of the Bleacher Report is claiming that the Tennessee Titans have requested to interview Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson for their vacant head coaching position. It represents the second request for Johnson, who also has one from the Carolina Panthers.”

Titans request interview with Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik

“Slowik joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 as a defensive quality control coach. He spent the next six seasons (2017-22) alongside Carthon. In 2022, Kyle Shanahan promoted Slowik to offensive passing game coordinator, a one-year stint Slowik parlayed into following DeMeco Ryans to Houston to become his offensive coordinator.”