"Coaching scared might get Gary Kubiak fired faster than Steve Slaton's fumbling.

When you don't do what you normally do — especially when what you normally do has worked every time — something is odd.

If it ain't broke, don't break it.

When Matt Schaub crawled to his right to center the ball in the final seconds against the Titans on Monday night, most were stunned. That's not how any coach with sense plays that. Not from that far out. Field goals from 49 yards aren't gimmies.

Not to mention that earlier this month, Kubiak said his kicker doesn't need the ball centered because "he's pretty good from everywhere."

Of course, the field goal flew wide left, and the Texans fell to 5-5, putting their playoff hopes on life support with the unbeaten Colts due in town Sunday.

Why did Kubiak choose to play it that way?

Every decision is crucial from this point forward. Kubiak needs to step up his game and show he is a big-time coach.

It is bad enough that Slaton is running scared. (Have you noticed how he has started covering up in the open field, holding on to the football as if it were a greased pig?) It now appears his sophomore slump is affecting Kubiak's judgment."