HOUSTON (AP) - Houston's Dunta Robinson is off to the best start
in his career and his two interceptions are tied for most in the
NFL.
But he isn't doing anything different this year, the
cornerback's job is simply easier now that the defensive line has
improved.
Robinson had six interceptions as a rookie in 2004, but has had
just two in each of the last two seasons.
The Texans ranked 27th in the NFL in sacks last season, but
already have six sacks this year.
Coach Gary Kubiak thinks the 25-year-old could take a step up
and become one of the elite cornerbacks in the league this season.
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ANDRE UPDATE: There have been rumors that Andre Johnson could
miss five weeks with a knee sprain, but Kubiak said they still
aren't sure how long he'll be out.
Johnson, who leads the team with 262 yards receiving, has said
he won't play this week.
"I think that would definitely be the worst scenario," Kubiak
said of the five-week rumor. "I'm very optimistic that a guy like
him who is a really hard worker and a well conditioned guy could
make it back quicker than the doctors think he can."
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BATTERED DAYNE: Ron Dayne, who ran for 153 yards in Houston's
December win over Indianapolis, was limited in practice Thursday
because of bruised ribs.
Dayne had 18 carries, including 13 in the fourth quarter of the
Texans 34-21 win over Carolina last week. Kubiak said he was
"pretty banged up" from that outing.
Dayne said Thursday he was doing "OK" and he participated in a
few drills in practice, but did not put on his pads like the rest
of the team.
Kubiak said the team would decide Friday if he can play or if
they'll use Samkon Gado as a backup to Ahman Green instead.
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'JONESIN' FOR A START: Rookie Jacoby Jones could make his first
NFL start on Sunday in place of Andrea Johnson.
If he does, he hopes it goes nothing like his first start in
college. Jones, who played at Division II Lane College, said that
one didn't go too well.
"I was so nervous, I actually dropped my first few passes," he
said, chuckling at the memory. "But after that I was all right and
I caught my next ones."
Jones has two catches for 33 yards this season after increasing
his profile by scoring two touchdowns on punt returns and another
one on offense in the preseason.
He says he's gotten over being nervous.
Kubiak said he's liked Jones since watching him in the East-West
Shrine Game that was played in Houston, but that he's already
exceeded their expectations for him.