"Gary Kubiak stood in front of his players Saturday night and sliced open his soul. He dug down deep, into places he probably doesn't go that often.

He spoke of his love of football, of his players and of this Texans franchise. He told his players he hoped they appreciated the gift they'd been given and that they'd never take playing in the NFL for granted.

"I talked probably longer than I've ever talked," Kubiak said.

He didn't pretend these are normal times. These last four games probably will decide his future with the Texans, and he let his players know he wasn't going down without fighting for both himself and them.

"It definitely hit me right between the eyes," quarterback Matt Schaub said.

Kubiak isn't comfortable making things about him, but this month is about him. This isn't his usual mode of operation. After bad games, he accepts the blame. After good games, he deflects the credit."