Kubiak's roots deep in Texas

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published January 15, 2006

DENVER - Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak has credibility in South Texas having been a quarterback at Texas A&M.

If he becomes the Houston Texans' new coach as expected, those credentials will make him an easy sell to fans. But what they won't give him is a free pass. Football is king in Texas, and winning is the only option.

Kubiak, a Texan, knows the expectations.

"I know it's even more exciting for him because he knows what football means to the area, and he knows what it means to try to put together a championship team for Houston," Broncos general manager and Houston native Ted Sundquist told the Houston Chronicle. "Just think about it: Gary's from Houston. He loves the city. He grew up there, played there and went to college close by, and he understands what that means to the fans."

Kubiak, 44, has declined to comment much about Houston since the Broncos were focused on New England last week. If he does take the helm, Kubiak will need to call upon his offensive expertise to help revive the Texans' offense.

Houston averaged 253.3 yards per game this season, third-worst in the NFL. Under Kubiak - who joined the Broncos in 1995 - Denver has prospered offensively. His most recent success story: Quarterback Jake Plummer, who has salvaged his career since arriving in Denver three years ago. Last season, Plummer set franchise records for passing yards and touchdown passes.

SAY WHAT?: Denver cornerback Champ Bailey was stunned this week to learn of the Patriots' success in creating turnovers during their three recent Super Bowl runs. New England entered the game with a plus-21 turnover margin in their past three postseasons.

"That's sick," Bailey said. "In the playoffs? That's not even the whole season. That's 10 games. And about 10 of (the turnovers) came from one person."

That person? Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who has taken his lumps from the Patriots in playoff games. In two playoff games against them, Mannings' Colts have been outscored a combined 44-17.

Against Jacksonville in their wild card game, the Patriots had a 2-to-0 turnover ratio. Surprisingly, the Patriots' two turnovers during Saturday's first half outnumbered Denver's one.

[Last modified January 15, 2006, 01:48:18]