Decisions, Decisions: Texans Preview 12/12

Football on a Thursday? Does this mean we have to skip 30 Rock? Damn, this is a hard decision. Gary Kubiak vs. Jack Donaghy. Sage Rosenfels vs. Judah Freidlander. Texans Cheerleaders vs. our completely defensible crush on Tina Fey. Tracy Jordan vs. Travis Henry's illegitmate children. Mike Shannahan's hair vs. the Sheinhart Wig Company. Who are we kidding? You can watch 30 Rock any time on NBC's website. It's like Tivo for poor people!

The Denver Broncos come to town tomorrow night to play the Texans, and the dominant storyline will be the relationship between the coaches. Texans helmer Gary Kubiak was the offensive coordinator in the Mile High City for years, and Broncos coach Mike Shannahan's son is on the Texans' coaching staff. Kubiak has said from outset of his tenure with the Texans that he would model the Texans offense on the Broncos'. Well, since Matt Schaub isn't John Elway, and Ahman Green definitely isn't Terrell Davis (except for the possible retirement), the Texans have struggled; however, a win this week would put them at 7-7 going into a long break before their trip to Indy on the 23rd.

With Schaub still ailing, Sage Rosenfels will start again. Given his performance on Sunday against the Bucs, he should shine against the Broncos' weaker defense. With Owen Daniels and Andre Johnson firing on all cylinders right now, the passing attack should offset the injury-stunted running game. Ron Dayne is ailing again, so the weight of the rushing offense will be on rookies Darius Walker and Adimchinobi Echemandu. Both have shown signs of brilliance at various points this season, but if the passing game is really going to open up, they'll have to keep the defense honest.

The Broncos and Texans come into this game with identical records and similar disappointments. The Broncos have been hampered by injuries (though not to the degree that the M*A*S*H'd Texans have), and have failed to assert themselves in the AFC West. The Texans have yet to deliver on the promise of their hot start, but with a promising young QB and a healthy offense, they should give the Broncos a bucking good run for their money. .500 here we come!

Broncos at Texans
Thursday, 7:15 pm
Reliant Stadium
TV: NFL Network or Channel 20. Radio: AM 610