Texans coach Gary Kubiak talks about preparing for short week
Dec 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak talks to an official during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
There is no time to dwell on the 10th straight loss for the Houston Texans, as they have to prepare for an opponent they lost to two games ago in the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The game is scheduled for Thursday Night Football on the NFL Network for an 8:25 EDT start, with the Jaguars entering the game with consecutive wins over the Texans and the Cleveland Browns.
Houston enters the game with their most recent loss to the New England Patriots by a 34-31 score.
On Monday, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak spoke about playing the Jaguars in a shortened week, saying:
"“It’s tough on their bodies, more than anything. Coaching-wise, it’s difficult to get everything done in such a quick amount of time. I think it’s good for us.”"
He also said:
"“We need to go to play. We need to step back out there and go play again. It’s something that you’ve got to push through, but there is a reward at the end of it. You give everybody a break for a few days. We just need to get back out there and get fighting again.”"
I agree with the head coach there … the best thing for the Texans is to just get back on the field. What I worry about is how Ben Tate heals with less time to recover from a tough game against the Patriots, as he’s playing with broken ribs to begin with.
Still, with what Kubiak said, the Texans do need to get out there and just “fight.” Maybe this will be the week they end their losing streak.
Speaking of players, Kubiak was asked if the quick turnaround is dangerous for the players.
"“I know it’s a tough turnaround for players. It’s a quick situation. We did it last year, Sunday to Thanksgiving Day. So it’s very tough on them physically, but it is part of what we do. You kind of learn to play on different days.”"
He also said in his answer:
"“As a coach, I’ve been through the schedule a few times, so you do the best you can. (The players) find a way to work through it. I think also see that there’s a reward there coming this weekend where they really can get a big break.”"
The only plus in all of this is the Texans will get an extended break, and that could heal up some of the injuries on the weekly reports. I’m not just talking about Tate, but this offensive line could use a rest as well, and maybe the extended break will help Case Keenum take a deep breath and soak in what has occurred the past few weeks.
Later in his press conference, Kubiak spoke about getting the “taste out of their mouths.”
He’s right about that again (I can’t believe I’m agreeing with him so much) … the quicker they get back on the field, the quicker they have a chance to win a game.
I know they right now hold the No. 1 overall draft choice if the season were to end today, but still, breaking a 10-game losing streak would be good for this club, even if this season is all but over.