Kubiak: Challenge of Rob Gronkowski is 'amazing'

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

If the Houston Texans thought the New England Patriots’ offense was too much to handle in their first meeting, they'll be in for an even ruder awakening.

Tom Brady and the Pats put up 42 points against the Texans in Round 1 despite the absence of one of the offense’s main contributors, tight end Rob Gronkowski. But after a start in Week 16 and a week off to rest, Gronk is a go on Sunday. (photo: jdn, Flickr)

“The challenge for him is just amazing because of the size and the ability to…matchup-wise this guy has worn out a lot of corners and safeties,” Texans head coach Gary Kubiak told reporters via conference call Wednesday. “He’s very tough to handle from that standpoint.”

New England-bound Texans confident on road

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The AFC East-champion New England Patriots are 8-1 against AFC teams this year, and 4-1 at home. But according to Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak, that doesn't faze his team in the least.

Kubiak's division-leading squad has secured itself a playoff spot as well, and at 11-1 and unbeaten on the road, they don't seem to care where they play. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

“It’s a confidence thing,” Kubiak told reporters Monday. “I've been with young teams that they go on the road. Here comes the noise, all of a sudden boy you panic and you just don’t look like yourself. This group, it doesn't matter. They’ll go play anywhere.”

The Texans have certainly proved that. In the six games the team has played on the road, the margin of victory has been an average of 10 points, including hard fought wins in both Chicago and Denver, the Broncos' only home loss this year.

Texans expect Jets to use Cromartie same as Revis

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets lost Darrelle Revis, who Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson called "the best defensive back in the game," two weeks ago for the season.

Johnson still thinks the Jets are "pretty good" at cornerback, thanks to now No. 1 cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Johnson will face Cromartie for the first time when their respective teams face off Monday night.

"I think he has great length as a defensive back. It’s rare that you find defensive backs his size," Johnson told reporters of Cromartie. "A very fast guy. A lot of people don’t really talk about that, but he can run real well. I think he’s a good player.

"A lot of the times he doesn’t receive a lot of the credit that he should receive because he plays with Revis, but I think he’s a pretty good player."