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Watch the video and you'll see mirror-image offenses.
Broncos spoil Kubiak's return, top Texans
NFL wire reports
DENVER (Aug. 27, 2006) -- Gary Kubiak took the playbook and plenty of knowledge with him to Houston after serving as Mike Shanahan's apprentice in Denver for more than a decade.
If only he could have taken some more of the talent he left behind.
The Broncos beat Houston 17-14 on Sunday night, spoiling the return of the Texans' first-year coach who spent nearly two decades in Denver, first as John Elway's backup and then as Shanahan's assistant.
"Coming back doesn't feel real good right now," Kubiak said.
Although Houston's front seven thoroughly impressed Shanahan, it was Denver's defense that had an answer for just about everything Kubiak tried.
"It was like practice," Broncos linebacker Al Wilson said. "We saw so many things that were so similar to what we do, which was expected. But at the same time, Kub put a twist on a few things and had us guessing and thinking a little bit. But it was like practice all over again."
After covering a deep pass that fell incomplete along the Texans' sideline, Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams smiled and wagged his finger at Kubiak.
"What we saw, we see every day in practice," Williams said. "It wasn't anything new to us."
And what the Texans saw wasn't anything new to them, either.
Gary Kubiak couldn't come up with anything to fool the Broncos.
Kubiak took five members of the Broncos' coaching staff with him to Houston, and they were soon joined by general manager Rick Smith, who had been an assistant GM in Denver. Plus, the Texans signed tight end Jeb Putzier, who had been cut by the Broncos in a salary cap purge over the winter, along with former Broncos tight end Patrick Hape and tackle Ephraim Salaam.
"That entire organization is becoming a mirror image of this organization," Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith said. "Which I think is a good thing for them because we set a standard a long time ago and he's been a part of that for 20-plus years and you can see those guys are playing a lot better football than they played the last couple years. They're going to win a lot of football games."
Like many homecomings, however, this one was bittersweet.
"I saw a lot of people who were a big part of my life, and that was special," Kubiak said. "Once the football game starts, it kind of all goes out the window. It was nice to see everybody. This was a good challenge for our team, and I liked the way we fought all night. We were not very clean at all early in the game, but I liked the way we played hard to the end."
After the game, Kubiak and Shanahan embraced.
"I just told Mike, thanks for all he's done and giving me the chance," Kubiak said.
The biggest return belonged to Javon Walker, who caught three passes for 41 yards, his first receptions since tearing up his right knee in the season opener for Green Bay last year.
"It's been behind me since Denver got me in the trade. I was just ready to go out and be the person I was in Green Bay," the former Pro Bowl receiver said. "It felt good because you don't get hit in training camp. To get that done lets me know, `Hey, I'm all right and ready to get this season kicked off."'
Tatum Bell scored from a yard out and Cedric Cobbs followed a big block from right tackle Adam Meadows for a 26-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Denver's Jake Plummer (10-for-22, 96 yards) was off target all night and David Carr, although a respectable 15-for-22 for 128 yards, fumbled once, threw an interception at his own 20-yard line and couldn't lead the Texans into the end zone in seven possessions.
As might be expected from two offensive minds who know each other so well, the first 25 minutes was a stalemate until the Broncos got the ball at the Texans 45 and took advantage of the short field.
Their drive stalled at the 14 and Jason Elam nailed a 32-yarder, but Houston tackle Alfred Malone was whistled for an illegal procedure that gave the Broncos first-and-goal at the 9. Bell spun his way across the goal line three plays later.
On the next play from scrimmage, linebacker D.J. Williams picked off Carr at the Texans 20 and Elam followed with a 23-yard field goal that made it 10-0.
The Texans pulled to 10-3 on Kris Brown 's 29-yard field goal just before halftime. His 32-yarder in the third quarter made it 10-6 and came after rookie tight end Owen Daniels lined up offsides on fourth-and-1 at the Broncos 9.
After Cobbs' TD made it 17-6, Sage Rosenfels threw a 19-yard TD pass to Derrick Lewis with 2:53 left, and Vernand Morency's 2-point run made it 17-14.
Notes: Houston CB Phillip Buchanon bruised his ribs. ... Broncos WR Todd Devoe aggravated a shoulder injury.
Editor's note: This will most likely become a Friday morning tradition during football season. However, I'm working Thursday night this week, so I'll go ahead and pop my predictions up today.
NFL
Miami at Pittsburgh -- I really like both of these teams, although I'm starting to think Roethlisberger is cursed this year. Nick Saban has the Dolphins poised for a deep playoff run, and Daunte Culpepper looks healthy and fit. I like the Dolphins in this one. Final: 26-14
Atlanta at Carolina -- I like the Panthers, but not as much as everyone else does. And it's an up year for the Falcons, who alternate winning and losing seasons like Paris Hilton alternates favorite pets. The absence of Steve Smith is a major blow for Jake Delhomme and the Panthers' offense. Is Mike Vick finally poised for a breakout year? We'll see, but he'll get off to a good start. Final: 23-16
Baltimore at Tampa Bay -- Are there any teams I don't like? Yes, but these two don't fit that bill. The addition of Steve McNair gives the Ravens a stable, poised leader at QB to take pressure off Jamal Lewis and the defense. Tampa can only get better, as Chris Simms and Cadillac Williams get more experience and become more comfortable. I also like Michael Clayton to have a huge year, going back to the Pro Bowl. Both teams have great defenses, but on this day, Baltimore's will be slightly better. Final: 17-13
Cincinnati at Kansas City -- Man, did the NFL do a good job with the Week 1 matchups or what? The league's two young stars -- Bengals QB Carson Palmer and Chiefs RB Larry Johnson -- squaring off in Week 1. The Chiefs have some major question marks -- the retirement of Willie Roaf, as well as the departure of Johnson's lead blocker at fullback. Plus, the addition of Herm Edwards as head coach, who I like as a person, but question as a head coach in this league. Palmer to Chad Johnson is the premier pass-and-catch duo in the league. Rudi Johnson is a workhorse back. And the Bengals' defense is much improved. I like Cincy to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Final: 38-20
Denver at St. Louis -- Finally, a home team is victorious! Scott Linehan starts off his career with a win. Can the Rams once again become The Greatest Show on Turf? There are plenty of weapons at QB Marc Bulger's disposal, particularly with the coming of age of RB Stephen Jackson, coupled with Linehan's penchant for the run (unlike previous head coach Mike Martz' disdain for it). There are a lot of uncertainties in Denver. Once again, an unsettled backfield. Can the Broncos again piecemeal a 1,000-yard rusher. Will Jake Plummer have a career year again -- or implode like normal? Who are his weapons at WR? Mike Shanahan is a great coach, but I'm not sold on the Broncos as a playoff team yet. Final: 27-18
New Orleans at Cleveland -- Call it a homer pick. I like this New Orleans offense. Drew Brees is not a star, but he's a solid upgrade over Aaron Brooks. Deuce and Reggie Bush provide a nice 1-2 punch in the backfield, and Bush is going to make some major plays. Joe Horn is back and healthy as the No. 1 receiver, while Devery Henderson is set for a Donte' Stallworth-like year this year. But the defense scares me. A lot. There's no way the Saints are a playoff team with this defense. But Cleveland is horrible. Horrible. Rueben Droughns might be the worst starting RB in the league. Charlie Frye would be a third-stringer at some places. I do think Winslow, if he's healthy, upgrades the offense -- as will the improvement of Braylon Edwards at WR. I like Romeo Crennel, and the move to bring in the veteran leadership of Willie McGinest on defense. The Browns are making strides. But they're still a ways off. Final: 28-24
NY Jets at Tennessee -- Bad news for both of these teams. They're bad. The Jets, outside of the Texans, are the worst team in the league. And the Titans might not be much better. I have a feeling Jeff Fisher is done in Nashville, while it's not the way Eric Mangini wanted to start his career. There's not much to like about either of these teams -- no star power whatsoever. Major questions at QB -- can Pennington be healthy? Who starts for the Titans? More questions at RB -- like who gets the carries for both of these teams? This game could get real ugly. Final: 15-9
Philadelphia at Houston -- I like the makeup of this Eagles team. The chemistry issues are gone, and the talent is still there that went to the NFC title game year after year. I really think they will end up back in the championship game, and maybe even the Super Bowl. As for the Texans, well it just gets worse and worse for David Carr. The front office passed up a chance to get a supserstar in Reggie Bush, and instead will start fellow rookie Wali Lundy at running back. That's all I need to know about the direction of this team. Final: 38-10
Seattle at Detroit -- My upset special of the week. Seattle is the defending Super Bowl runner-up, and no runner-up has won more than 7 games the next year in the 21st century. Throw in the Madden curse for Shaun Alexander, and it could be a long year for the Seahawks. And I like the Lions. They aren't a playoff team yet, but I like the addition of Jon Kitna at QB. He's not flashy, but he's solid. He's not going to make the mistakes Joey Harrington did. I think this Lions team can win 7 or 8 games this year, which is a major step towards getting back to the playoffs. Final: 20-14
Chicago at Green Bay -- It's time for Brett Favre to just shut up and play -- or go away. His comment about this team having the most talent he's played with was just ridiculous. This is going to be a bad Packers team. And while the Bears' offense will still not be flashy, due to not having a major playmaker outside, if Grossman or Griese or Orton or whoever else can be consistent and not make mistakes, this defense will win at least 10 games. Thomas Jones will be a 1,500-yard rusher, and the Bears might give up less than 10 points a game. Final: 20-6
Dallas at Jacksonville -- I actually like this Dallas team early on, but we all know a TO blow up is inevitable at some point. The Cowboys, even without him, do have a ton of talent. It's just a matter of how much he screws up the locker room. With that said, Jacksonville is one of my favorite teams this year. I love Leftwich if he can stay healthy. And he's got plenty of talent around him. They have a legitimate chance to compete with the AFC powers this year. Final: 27-24
San Francisco at Arizona -- I think we'll see a little bit of improvement in San Fran this year -- maybe 5 wins. But they still are one of the worst teams in the NFL. Arizona, on the other hand, has one of the best teams on paper -- 2 1,000-yard receivers, a major weapon at running back, and 2 QBs that can run an offense. I like this Cardinals team as a sleeper pick for the NFC championship game. Final: 39-17
Indianapolis at NY Giants -- Little brother gets the best of older brother. Peyton outshines Eli stat-wise, but this game will be won on the ground. Tiki has a big game with more than 100 yards and a couple of TDs, while the combo of Dominic Rhodes and Joe Addai will struggle against the Giants' defensive front. This is going to be a great game for NBC's primetime coverage. Final: 27-23
Minnesota at Washington -- I don't like either of these teams. Washington will be a major disappointment this year. I don't see more than 6 wins, while some are expecting them to win that tough East division. I see the 'Skins as the worst team in that division. Minnesota, meanwhile, is changing the culture under new head coach Brad Childress. Some have picked them as the division favorite in the North, but I don't see them beating the Bears. They could get to 8 or maybe 9 wins and make a push for the playoffs. Final: 19-12
San Diego at Oakland -- Is Phil Rivers ready? I really don't know. I do know Antonio Gates and LT will take a lot of pressure off him early. When you have a versatile RB who can catch balls out of the backfield and a huge target at TE, it makes it easy for a QB to get in a rhythm early. Oakland is going to be very interesting. Aaron Brooks might be the worst QB in the league. He's got a big arm, and he'll hook up with Randy Moss for some points. But he'll also make some huge mistakes that end up burying the Raiders. Final: 28-17
College Football
1. Ohio State at Texas -- Does it get any better than this? 1 vs 2. Doesn't happen very often in the regular season. Last year, UT's comeback win over OSU propelled the Horns to the national title. Will the tables turn this year? It's likely. While I'm hesitant to label Troy Smith this year's Vince Young, he could use his performance in last year's bowl game to propel him to a huge year -- just like VY did the Rose Bowl 2 years ago. I think Teddy Ginn Jr. is the best player in the game, and I'm not sold on Colt McCoy being able to play in this big of a game this early in his career. Final: 28-21
2. Texas vs. Ohio State -- See above.
3. USC (Open) -- Next week vs. Nebraska.
4. Notre Dame vs. Penn State -- It's funny how one game can change everything. Notre Dame's near-loss to Georgia Tech dropped the Irish in the eyes of some of the national media. And it refocused the Irish that they really aren't as good as the media made them out to be. I liked Penn State in this game until the scare last week. Now the Irish will come up with a close, close win. Final: 24-23
5. Auburn at Mississippi State -- Poor Sly Croom. Wasn't this year supposed to get better in Starkville. Open the year with a 15-0 loss to South Carolina. And it only gets worse against Auburn. Kenny Irons is poised for a big, big game. Final: 27-0
6. West Virginia vs. Eastern Washington -- Rich Rodriguez: Can you please upgrade your non-conference schedule? The Big East already is weak. You need to bulk up the schedule. That's all I ask. Final: 56-10
7. Florida vs. UCF -- The Gators started off slow last week before turning it on. Is that a sign they are starting to click, or a sign the offense still isn't that good? I believe Chris Leak will get more and more comfortable in this offense, and as the season goes along, the Gators will emerge as a legit national title contender. Final: 42-17
8. LSU vs. Arizona -- I like this game a lot. Could be the game of the week -- even with Texas/OSU and ND/PSU. The Tigers have as much talent as anyone in the country, and the Wildcats are one of the up-and-coming teams under Mike Stoops. I really believe this is the year they put everything together. LSU gets a major scare but comes out with the win. Final: 28-27
9. Florida State vs. Troy -- The Seminoles are coming off a close, tough victory over rival Miami in the season opener on Monday. It's a short week, the guys relax a little bit due to a Sun Belt school coming in town. It's your classic trap game. While I don't think the Noles can win the national title, they're not as bad as they'll look this weekend. Final: 24-20
10. Michigan vs. Central Michigan -- Not fair. I understand why UM does it, but it shouldn't play the directional state schools. Just not fair at all. Final: 55-12
11. Tennessee vs. Air Force -- Everybody jumped on the bandwagon last week as Rocky Top destroyed Cal. They are legit if Erik Ainge stays healthy. That's a big question. But for now, the Vols continue to roll. Final: 38-10
12. Georgia at South Carolina -- The Ole Ballcoach showed a little defense last week -- and only a little offense. This is a big matchup in the SEC early on. The Gamecocks are ready for the challenge. Final: 24-19
13. Louisville at Temple -- Temple is coming off a win. Louisville lost RB Mike Bush for the year. Doesn't matter. Brian Brohm is a superstar, while the Cardinals have more-than-capable backs to fill in for Bush against Temple. UL in a big win. Final: 49-14
14. Iowa at Syracuse -- I like Iowa a lot this year. But this is a potential trap game. On the road against a team that has been weak for a while but is starting to come back. I like the Orange to put up a fight. Final: 26-21
15. Oklahoma vs. Washington -- Another game that will expose OU. Last week it was UAB. This week it's a Washington team that is among the bottom in the Pac 10. Adrian Peterson will again carry the Sooners to a tough victory. Final: 21-17
16. Virginia Tech at UNC -- The Hokies get an early test in the ACC. Every year, the Tar Heels come up and scare, or defeat, one of the big boys in the conference. This is one of those trap games. The Hokies barely hang on. Final: 24-21
17. Miami vs. Florida A&M -- Just what Kyle Wright, Larry Coker and the Canes need after last week's loss to FSU -- a visit from FAMU. Miami's offense will put up some points and get some much-needed confidence. Final: 55-7
18. Clemson at Boston College -- A tough ACC game early. I like Clemson a lot, but they've been a perennial underachiever under Tommy Bowden. This is a game that will test these Tigers very early. BC, though never a factor in the national title race, always competes for a bowl game. I think Clemson shows it's for real this year. Final: 31-17
19. Penn State at Notre Dame -- See above.
20. Oregon at Fresno State -- These are the games Pat Hill lives for. One of the big boys comes to his home field. The Bulldogs always play better in September than they do in November, and this game will be no different. FSU thrusts itself into the national spotlight. Final: 27-20
21. Nebraska vs. Nicholls State -- The Cornhuskers are tough. Nicholls State brings in a spread option attack that could give the Huskers defense some problems on the edge. Nebraska just has too much offense though. Final: 48-13
22. Cal vs. Minnesota -- The Bears still don't have a QB. They were exposed last week by Tennessee, and will be so again this week against the Gophers. Final: 28-20
23. TCU vs. UC-Davis -- UC-Davis has a great offense, on their level. They aren't on TCU's level. Final: 40-18
24. Texas Tech at UTEP -- The Miners get a nationally-ranked team to step onto their turf. Senior QB Jordan Palmer (Carson's little brother) gets his chance for a coming-out party. He's destroyed all of UTEP's records and aims for 4,000 yards this year. This is the biggest game on UTEP's schedule, and I see Palmer pushing 400 yards threw the air, leading the Miners to a win. Final: 44-37
25. Arizona State vs. Nevada -- Both teams are trying to come off disappointing starts. Luckily for ASU, it won. Nevada, however, lost to Fresno and doesn't want to go 0-2. ASU will be too much, though. Final: 31-21
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