By CHRIS DUNCAN
AP Sports Writer
In a move that most NFL analysts are calling "highly unusual", the Houston Texans announced today that they are seriously considering resting their starters when they face the NY Jets Monday night at Met Life stadium.
“I’m really proud of our team and how they’ve been playing. I watched the game tape from the the 49er's ass whooping of the Jets, and I really don't see the need to put our best players on the field Monday night." Texans coach Gary Kubiak said at the teams Monday press conference.
He may have a point. Why risk injury to the starters this early in the season?
"I heard that Rex Ryan gave his players a few days off, so I figured if they deserve some days off, my guys deserve the week off at least."
It's not like the starting squad is not going to travel to New York with the team. They'll be dressed and waiting on the sideline, Kubiak assured reporters. "We might need them to step in...you know, if something flukey happens and the Jets get a field goal or two."
Asked if his team is spending any time at practice defending the Jets wildcat package, Coach Kubiak responded with a hardy laugh. "Yeah, we're going to squeeze it in after our mandatory team yoga session".
"As it stands now, I'm trying to arrange an earlier charter flight so the team can enjoy a little bit of that New York City night life."
Questioned further, the coach had this to say. "Listen, if I didn't think T.J. (Yates) could handle this, he wouldn't be backing up Matt. Actually, I'm kind of hoping that we can get a good look at Beck (Texans third string QB) sometime in the second half".
Matt Schaub, caught boarding a plane to Disney World for a few days, had this to say. "The guys are really looking forward to this trip. If they don't get enough rest this week, they can always take a nap during the game. It should be nice and quiet at the stadium."
"Frankly, with the way NY Jets players looked yesterday, I'd be surprised if any of them show up Monday night."