Head coach Gary Kubiak and the Texans moved to 4-3 in 2009 with their win over the 49ers on Sunday
Texans coach Gary Kubiak spoke with the media on Monday afternoon during his weekly press conference at Reliant Stadium.
Johnson's status: Kubiak started his Monday press conference with an update on the health of wide receiver Andre Johnson. The All-Pro pass catcher has a lung contusion; you can read more about his status **here**.
Schaub on the road: Quarterback Matt Schaub and the Texans are 2-1 on the road this season, and their next two contests are at Buffalo and at Indianapolis. In three road games in 2009, Schaub has tossed 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions and has 1,120 passing yards.
That's an average of three touchdowns and 373 passing yards per.
"He's got great command of what we're doing," Kubiak said. "His composure with these game plans we're putting together for him… we're asking a lot of him mentally. It's easy for him."
Kubiak added that the game seems to be slowing down for Schaub in year number three as a Texan.
"To go from being a good quarterback to a great quarterback is when you get so comfortable with what you're doing, that you help the rest of the team do their job," Kubiak said. "That's where he's at right now. He's heading that direction."
Kubiak went on to say that even though Schaub's numbers against the 49ers—20-of-30 passing for 264 yards—weren't eye-popping, they got the job done.
"He was our player of the game on offense yesterday," Kubiak said. "He was exceptional. He avoided five sacks by moving and throwing the ball away, making smart plays as a quarterback. He made great decisions all day and didn't turn the ball over. That's the difference in us winning and losing."
Running away?: The month of October has been an outstanding one for the Texans' run defense. Frank Bush's charges have stonewalled opposing running backs. In succession, they've allowed Justin Fargas just 24 yards, Beanie Wells 24 yards, Cedric Benson 44 yards and Frank Gore 32 yards - well below average for each of those ball-carriers. .
"It's been very good for the last month," Kubiak said. "This back yesterday (Gore) is a fine player, and they had (Glen) Coffee also. We played very sound in the run game, and I think that's going with the success of our team here in the past few weeks. Our defense has stepped it up and played so well."
Kubiak says his defense won't rest on any proverbial laurels, seeing as how they started the season by allowing Thomas Jones, Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew to each crack the 100-yard mark.
"We've got a lot of ground to make up, so hopefully we can keep going," he said. "But we'll face another good back this week."
The Bills feature running backs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson. Lynch served a three-game suspension to begin the season and has gained 69, 61 and 40 yards over the last three weeks. Jackson is averaging four yards per carry and picked up 163 yards against the Bucs in Week 2. But since Lynch's return four games ago, Jackson hasn't gained more than 52 rushing yards in a game.
"They've got Lynch, who's a fine, fine player," Kubiak said. "Depending on the weather there, you better start with the run first. It won't just be about rushing the passer, it'll be about doing a lot of good things."
