Texans coach Gary Kubiak spoke to the media on Monday during his weekly press conference the day after his defense dominated the Tennessee Titans in a 13-12 victory.
Injury front: Rookie linebacker Xavier Adibi is day-to-day for now as team doctors evaluate the groin injury he suffered in the Titans game. Adibi has started the last five games at weakside linebacker, recording 31 tackles and a fumble recovery.
"He's got a groin issue," Kubiak said. "We'll know more about him tomorrow. He'll be day-to-day throughout this week, but there's a good chance this week could be a problem for him."
Rookie cornerback Antwaun Molden, who fractured his ankle in kickoff coverage during Sunday's game, is out for the season. A third-round draft pick out of Eastern Kentucky, Molden recorded 19 tackles and one fumble recovery this season as a standout performer on special teams.
Robinson on the rise: Kubiak named defensive tackle DelJuan Robinson the Texans' defensive player of the game this week. Robinson recorded three tackles for loss in only 18 snaps on the field, playing an instrumental role in limiting the Titans to 100 yards rushing.
Robinson spent most of last season on the Texans' practice squad after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State. He has played in all 14 games this season, starting three, and has recorded 25 tackles and a forced fumble.
"He's a young kid with a lot of ability," Kubiak said. "I remember (former Mississippi State head coach) Jackie Sherrill telling me when he came out, 'You give this guy a chance, he's going to make it in your league.'
"He's worked extremely hard… He's had his spots where he's done some good things, but I think yesterday was obviously a big bright spot in his young career so far to step up and play the way he did yesterday. He played extremely well."
Consistency the key: The Texans' defense has improved drastically in the last four games. Their most recent opponents (Cleveland, Jacksonville, Green Bay, Tennessee) have mustered an average of only 14 points per game and combined to convert just 20.9 percent of their third down attempts.
What has been the key to the defense's improvement?
"I just think it's consistency," Kubiak said. "We've had the same people in place now for a while, as I've said. We've been more consistent. Have we been more aggressive? We have. But we've just been more consistent in our play, been more consistent with the people that have been on the field."
Kubiak also credited the return of cornerback Dunta Robinson from injuries, the steadily improving play of cornerback Jacques Reeves and the persistent effort of defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, who has been playing through a high-ankle sprain.
Pro Bowl selections tomorrow: The Pro Bowl rosters will be announced on Tuesday afternoon. Wide receiver Andre Johnson has been to two Pro Bowls, most recently as a starter in 2006, and linebacker DeMeco Ryans started for the AFC last season in his first Pro Bowl. Defensive end Mario Williams and running back Steve Slaton are among the Texans' other leading candidates to earn a trip to Honolulu, which is determined by fan, player and coach votes.
"We've obviously got some players very deserving of that opportunity," Kubiak said. "As a coach, you want to see them get that opportunity or get that recognition. But at the same time, you have be honest with them and let them know that sometimes, it doesn't happen right away (and) when you've had a good year, they make you come back and do it again the next year."
Rocket science?: Kubiak was asked about a report in which Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier said unequivocally that the Texans should throw the ball to Johnson on every single play.
"I tell you what, he's a sharp guy," Kubiak said. "I met him this summer over at a golf course across the street one day. I tell you what, we will listen to him. I don't know if it will be every play, but I believe in him. I love watching him play."
