Houston (4-8) Begins Last Quarter of the Season at Home against Tennessee (5-7)

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1 For Immediate Release, December 4, 2006 Houston (4-8) Begins Last Quarter of the Season at Home against Tennessee (5-7) TEXANS WEEKLY SCHEDULE Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans Monday, December 4 Gary Kubiak: 3:30 p.m. CT Tuesday, December 5 Players Day Off Wednesday, December 6 Practice: 11:40 a.m.-1:30 p.m. CT Gary Kubiak: after practice Open Locker Room: Approximately 2:45 p.m. Titans Conference Call: 9:45 a.m. CT Jeff Fisher 11:00 a.m. CT Vince Young Texans Conference Call: 10:00 a.m. CT Gary Kubiak 1:45 p.m. CT David Carr Thursday, December 7 Practice: 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. CT Gary Kubiak: after practice Open Locker Room: Approximately 2:45 p.m. Friday, December 8 Practice: 11:05 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CT Gary Kubiak: after practice Open Locker Room: after practice Saturday, December 9 Walk-Thru, closed to the media Sunday, December 10 Texans vs. Titans, Noon, Reliant Stadium 2006 SEASON SCHEDULE PRESEASON Sat., Aug. 12 Kansas City W Sat., Aug. St. Louis W Sun., Aug. Denver L Thurs. Aug. 31 Tampa Bay W REGULAR SEASON Sun., Sept. 10 Philadelphia L Sun., Sept. Indianapolis L Sun., Sept. 24 Washington L Sun., Oct. 1 Miami W Sun., Oct 8 BYE Sun., Oct. L 34-6 Sun., Oct. 22 Jacksonville W 27-7 Sun., Oct. L Sun., Nov. Giants L Sun., Nov. Jacksonville W Sun., Nov. 19 Buffalo L Sun., Nov. N.Y. Jets L Sun., Dec. W Sun., Dec. 10 Tennessee CBS Noon Sun., Dec. New England CBS Noon Sun., Dec. 24 Indianapolis CBS Noon Sun., Dec. 31 Cleveland CBS Noon Italic indicates kickoff times can change to 3:00 or 7:00 due to flexible scheduling. Houston scored its second defensive touchdown of the season Sunday at Oakland Texans Play Three of Next Four at Reliant Following a stretch that saw the Houston Texans play five of their last six games on the road, Houston returns home to face the Tennessee Titans in an AFC South matchup on Sunday, December 10 at Noon at Reliant Stadium. The Texans look to salvage a season split with Tennessee after the Titans picked up a win on October 29. Texans rookie TE Owen Daniels had his best day as a pro, establishing career-highs with nine catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie RB Wali Lundy rushed for a season-high 116 yards. The Texans are looking to build on their win over the Oakland Raiders last week. The defense, led by rookie LB DeMeco Ryans, forced five turnovers. Ryans finished with his best day as a pro. He had a career-high 15 tackles (14 solo), a sack, one QB hurry, three passes defensed, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and his first career interception. Houston CB Demarcus Faggins returned a Raider fumble 58 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. The Texans tied a season high with five sacks. The Texans welcomed KR Jerome Mathis back to the lineup. He opened the second half with an 87-yard kickoff return setting the Texans up at the Oakland three-yard line. One play later Lundy plunged into the endzone to tie the game at 14. RB Ron Dayne had his best day as a Texan, running for 95 yards on 18 carries. Houston outrushed Oakland PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACTS CONTACTS PHONE Tony Wyllie (832) twyllie@houstontexans.com Kevin Cooper (832) kcooper@houstontexans.com Zac Emmons (832) zemmons@houstontexans.com Tiffani Walker (832) twalker@houstontexans.com Matt Pomeroy (832) mpomeroy@houstontexans.com Fax (832) Media Website

2 HOUSTON TEXANS vs. TENNESSEE TITANS TABLE OF CONTENTS Head Coaches Page 2 Rick Smith/Mike Sherman Page 3 Game Information Page 4 Texans vs. Titans Page 4-7 Texans Media Information Page 7-11 Texans Team Notes Page Texans Offense Page Texans Defense Page Texans Special Teams Page Texans Player Info Page Texans in the Community Page Texans Themed Gamedays Page NFL Information Page Texans Stats & Rosters Page TEXANS HEAD COACH GARY KUBIAK The Denver Broncos hired Kubiak as offensive coordinator in 1995, and he would lead the most prolific attack the NFL would see over the next 11 years. The Broncos amassed 66,501 total yards and 465 touchdowns, most in the NFL in that span. He coached 14 different Broncos that made the Pro Bowl. Denver s rushing attack has totaled 25,022 yards, most in the NFL over the last 11 seasons. In 2005, Kubiak s offense ranked fifth in the NFL with 5,766 total yards. His rushing attack was second in the league, averaging yards per game. Denver finished 2005 with a 13-3 record, winning their division for the first time since Career Regular Season Record as NFL Head Coach: 4-8 TITANS HEAD COACH JEFF FISHER Gary Kubiak Head Coach 2006: Head Coach, Houston Texans : Offensive Coordinator, Denver Broncos : Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Denver Broncos 1994: Quarterbacks, San Francisco 49ers : Running Backs, Texas A&M Gary Kubiak returned to his hometown of Houston on January 26, 2006, becoming the second head coach in the history of the Houston Texans. Kubiak spent 20 of the past 23 years in the Denver area, where he earned a reputation as a brilliant offensive mastermind. During his 21 years in the NFL, Kubiak has had a losing record in only two. He played for the Broncos from as the backup for Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. Kubiak played in 119 games during his career and tossed 14 touchdowns in that span. During his time as a player in the Mile High City, he was a part of three teams that reached the Super Bowl. Kubiak started his NFL coaching career with the San Francisco 49ers in As quarterbacks coach, he guided Hall of Famer Steve Young to his best season as a pro. Young had a career-high 70.3 completion percentage. He threw 35 touchdowns, passed for 3,969 yards and set an NFL record with a passer rating, a mark that stood for 10 seasons. 2 Jeff Fisher Head Coach : Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, Head Coach 1994: Houston Oilers, Defensive Coordinator : San Francisco 49ers, Defensive Backs 1991: Los Angeles Rams, Defensive Coordinator : Philadelphia Eagles, Defensive Coordinator : Philadelphia Eagles, Defensive Back Jeff Fisher is entering his 12th season as Head Coach of the Tennessee Titans and his seventh as Executive Vice President. Fisher holds the franchise record for wins by a head coach with 102 victories. In a five-year period between 1999 and 2003 Fisher led the Titans to four playoff appearances, two Division titles, two AFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl berth (XXXIV). Since 1999, Fisher ranks fifth in the league in wins with 65, behind Tony Dungy, Andy Reid, Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan. Fisher began his coaching career as an assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1986, before becoming the NFL s youngest defensive coordinator in In 1991, Fisher headed west to be reunited with his college coach John Robinson, serving as the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator before joining the 49ers one year later. Career Regular Season Record as NFL Head Coach:

3 HOUSTON TEXANS vs. TENNESSEE TITANS TEXANS GENERAL MANAGER TEXANS ASST. HEAD COACH Rick Smith General Manager 2006: General Manager, Houston Texans 2006: Assistant General Manager, Denver Broncos : Director of Pro Personnel, Denver Broncos : Defensive Assistant, Denver Broncos Rick Smith was reunited in Houston with Texans head coach Gary Kubiak on June 5, 2006, when he was hired as the Texans second general manager. As general manager, Smith will oversee all aspects of the Texans personnel department, working closely with the coaching and scouting staffs to evaluate and identify potential free agent and trade targets, as well as overseeing the annual college draft. The 36-year old Smith became the fourth African-American to head an NFL personnel department, joining Arizona s Rod Graves, Jacksonville s James Harris, and Baltimore s Ozzie Newsome. In his former role as assistant general manager with the Broncos, Smith was responsible for evaluating players from around the NFL, as well as those in NFL Europe, the Canadian Football League, the Arena Football League, and other professional leagues. He also played a central role in the club s preparation for the college draft and was one of the Broncos primary negotiators for player contracts. Before moving into the front office, Smith spent four years as the Broncos defensive backs coach and earned two Super Bowl rings while guiding a unit that consistently ranked as one of the league s best. Under Smith s tutelage, the Denver pass defense ranked fourth in the NFL in 1996, fifth in 97, and seventh in 99. The team won more games from (46) than any club in NFL history over a three-year period. Mike Sherman Assistant Head Coach/ Offense 2006: Assistant Head Coach/Offense, Houston Texans 2005: Executive Vice President/Head Coach, Green Bay Packers : Executive Vice President/General Manager/Head Coach, Green Bay Packers 2000: Head Coach, Green Bay Packers 1999: Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends, Seattle Seahawks : Tight Ends/Assistant Offensive Line, Green Bay Packers : Offensive Line, Texas A&M 1994: Offensive Line, UCLA : Offensive Line, Texas A&M 1988: Offensive Coordinator, Holy Cross : Offensive Line, Holy Cross : Offensive Line, Tulane : Part-Time Coach, Pittsburgh Mike Sherman led the Green Bay Packers to three consecutive NFC North division titles from Sherman became the Packers head coach in 2000, guiding the team to five winning seasons. His.663 winning percentage (53-27) over his first five years was second only to the great Vince Lombardi in Packers history. Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak Quotes (on the game) We planned on running the ball today. We re going to try to always be balanced but when you re struggling as bad as we were with protection and throwing the football, you ve got problems. But the key was we were in the game. The big return to start the second half kept us in the football game and we didn t need to panic even though we weren t throwing the ball well and the defense kept getting turnovers so you got to find a way to win on Sunday and that s what it s all about. (on DeMeco Ryans) It s kind of been his year (forced fumble, fumble recovery, interception and sack). Those things stand out when you start talking about turnovers, but you and I both know that the kid has had a year that has been special as a rookie. 3

4 HOUSTON TEXANS vs. TENNESSEE TITANS TEXANS COACHING STAFF Gary Kubiak (Head Coach); Mike Sherman (Asst. Head Coach/ Offense); Troy Calhoun (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks); Richard Smith (Defensive Coordinator); Joe Marciano (Special Teams Coordinator); Martin Bayless (Asst. Defensive Backs); Tim Bender (Offensive Assistant); John Benton (Offensive Line); Chick Harris (Running Backs); Richard Hightower (Defensive Assistant); Jon Hoke (Defensive Backs); Johnny Holland (Linebackers); Bob Karmelowicz (Defensive Line); Mike McDaniel (Offensive Assistant); Brian Pariani (Tight Ends); Robert Saleh (Defensive Assistant); Kyle Shanahan (Wide Receivers); Tracy Simien (Asst. Defensive Line) GAME INFORMATION Date: Sunday, December 10, 2006 Site: Reliant Stadium Capacity: 71,054 Surface: Natural Grass Time: Noon CT Television: The game will be broadcast live on CBS. Locally, the game will be shown on KHOU-Channel 11. Don Criqui will provide the play-by-play and Richard Baldinger will provide game analysis. Radio: The flagship of the Texans Radio Network is KILT. The games can be heard on both 610AM and 100.3FM. Marc Vandermeer will call the action for his fifth season, along with Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback Andre Ware. Reporting from the sidelines is John Granato. Rolando Becerra and Enrique Vasquez will also be broadcasting the game live in Spanish on KLAT 1010 AM. TEXANS HOME STREAK CONTINUES The Texans have played to sellout crowds since entering the NFL. The Texans increased the Reliant Stadium capacity following the 2002 season to incorporate more Raving Fans. Houston has sold out 48 consecutive games and looks to continue the trend in The Texans have sold 60,000-plus season tickets for the fourth consecutive season. RELIANT STADIUM S RULE Beginning with the 2006 season, the Texans will open the roof when the game time temperature is projected to be between 50 and 80 degrees. The goal for implementing the Rule is to provide the most comfortable environment possible for fans to enjoy Houston Texans games. The expected high for Sunday s matchup is 71 degrees, meaning Reliant Stadium could open its roof for the third game in a row. Houston is 1-1 this season with the roof open. The Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-7 on 10/22 and fell to the Buffalo Bills on 11/19. The Texans own a 9-13 record when the Reliant Stadium roof is open. The Texans are 1-2 with the roof closed. Houston dropped its first two at home to Philadelphia on 9/10 and to the Washington Redskins on 9/24. TEXANS/TITANS SERIES HISTORY Houston renews acquaintances with a familiar foe in the Tennessee Titans. The Titans lead the overall series 7-2, picking up a win over the Texans earlier the season. This marks the third time these two teams have met in Houston in December. Tennessee won the previous matchups 13-3 in 2002 and in Houston is looking to beat the Titans in Houston for the first time since 2004 when the Texans won Houston dug an early 21-3 hole in the second quarter. Houston scored 28 unanswered points to key the win. Houston enters their second of five games in December. The Texans picked up a win over Oakland, marking the first time in team history Houston won their first game in December. Houston owns a 5-13 record in the month of December. Their best mark was in 2004 when Houston went 2-2 with a pair of road wins in Chicago and Jacksonville. This marks fourth time Houston will play five games in a month. Houston s best mark came in 2003 when they went 3-2, beating the NFC champion Carolina Panthers, getting a road win in Buffalo and a home victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Houston played five times in December in 2002, ending with a 1-4 record. LAST MEETING: October 29, 2006 LAST OVERALL MEETING: The Texans lost their last meeting against the Titans, (10/2/06. CURRENT STREAK: Houston has lost three against the Titans Regular season record vs. Titans: Texans largest winning margin: 10, (twice) Titans largest winning margin: 21, (38-17, The Coliseum, 10/12/03) 4

5 HOUSTON TEXANS vs. TENNESSEE TITANS THE SERIES: The two teams have played each other in nine regular season games and this week s matchup will mark the tenth: Regular Season: (Titans lead series tied 7-2) 2002 Titans, (TEN) Titans, 13-3 (HOU) 2003 Titans, (TEN) Titans, (HOU) 2004 Texans, (TEN) Texans, (HOU) 2005 Titans, (HOU) Titans, (TEN) 2006 Titans, (TEN) Next Regular Season Meeting: 2007, Houston and Tennessee TEXANS vs. TITANS STATS TEAM TOTAL RUSHING PASSING Texans O 2, ,846 Texans D 2,981 1,107 1,874 TEXANS/TITANS LAST TIME TITANS 34, TEXANS 20 RELIANT STADIUM, OCTOBER 9, 2005 ATTENDANCE: 70,430 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final TENNESSEE TITANS HOUSTON TEXANS TITANS...Troupe 10 yd. pass from S. McNair (Bironas kick) TEXANS...K. Brown 32 yd. FG TEXANS...K. Brown 38 yd. FG TITANS...Bironas 52 yd. FG TEXANS... K. Brown 43 yd. FG TITANS... Payton 5 yd. run (Bironas kick) TITANS...Bennett 16 yd. pass from S. McNair (Bironas kick) TITANS... Bironas 49 yd. FG TEXANS...K. Brown 47 yd. FG TITANS... McNair 1 yd. run (Bironas kick) 5 TEXANS...Bradford 3 yd. pass from Carr (Bradford pass from Carr) TEXANS TITANS First Downs Total Net Yards Net Yards Rushing Net Yards Passing (Att./Comp./Int.) Punts-Average Fumbles-Lost Sacks-Yards Penalties-Yards Time of Possession 28:51 31:09 RUSHING: TEXANS- Davis ; Carr 5-24; Wells 3-7; Gaffney 1-0. TITANS- C. Brown 22-78; Payton 8-11, 1 TD; McNair 1-1. PASSING: TEXANS- Carr 18-27, 131 yards, TD, 1 Int. TITANS- McNair 22-31, 220 yards, 2 TD. RECEIVING: TEXANS- Davis 8-43; Bradford 4-35, TD; Gaffney 2-24; Mathis 2-15; Wells 1-7; Rivers 1-7. TITANS- Troupe 8-67, TD; Bennett 5-99, TD; Kinney 4-27; B. Jones 3-21; C. Brown 1-13; Roos 1 (-7). Summary The Texans losing streak stretched to four games when they fell, 34-20, to AFC South division-rival Tennessee Titans at Reliant Stadium. The Titans took the opening kickoff 85 yards on 14 plays over 9:06, finishing the series with a 10-yard scoring pass from QB Steve McNair to TE Ben Troupe. The Texans scored on their first possession when K Kris Brown nailed a 32-yard field goal to finish off a teamlong 13-play drive. Following the Titans first punt of the game, RB Domanick Davis went 44 yards on second down from the Houston 27 to set up Brown s second field goal, which was good from 38 yards. With a 7-6 lead, Tennessee launched an aerial attack, gaining 49 yards on five completions before K Rob Bironas converted a game-long 52-yard field goal. After Chad Stanley s first punt of the game, the Titans stalled at their 41-yard line to force a punt by Craig Hentrich. With four seconds left before halftime, the Titans attempted a rare faircatch kick following Stanley s punt to the Houston 48. Bironas 58-yarder fell short, though. QB David Carr started the second half with 33 passing yards in his first three pass attempts on the opening drive. An incomplete pass on third down at the Tennessee 25 led to Brown s 43-yard field goal that made the score 10-9 in the visitor s favor. The Titans punted on their first drive of the third quarter, but returned to the field on offense two minutes later after the Texans went three-and-out. McNair s 41- yard completion to WR Drew Bennett gave Tennessee a first down at the Houston 17. Two plays later, RB Jarrett Payton scored on a five-

6 HOUSTON TEXANS vs. TENNESSEE TITANS yard run that helped make the score A sack forced the Texans to punt on their third drive of the quarter, and McNair capitalized when he found Bennett wide open for a 16-yard touchdown pass. The Texans turned the ball over for the first time on their next series when Carr s pass was deflected on fourth-and-one near midfield. Cornerback Andre Woolfolk intercepted the ball and ran three yards to the Houston 37. Less than a minute into the fourth quarter, Bironas nailed a 49-yarder to make the score The Texans responded by driving 32 yards on six plays before Brown s 47-yarder cut the deficit to 15 points with 11:37 left in the game. On their final scoring drive of the game, the Titans burned 3:47 off the clock and McNair dove in for a one-yard touchdown. Houston punted again before returning to the field for a final scoring drive. Carr s three-yard pass to WR Corey Bradford, followed by a two-point conversion pass to Bradford, made the score just inside the two-minute warning. The Titans rushed four times on their last offensive series before the Texans ran out the remaining time when Carr was sacked on the game s final play. TEXANS vs. TITANS CAREER STATS WR Eric Moulds vs. Tennessee Rec Yds Avg Lg TD WR Andre Johnson vs. Tennessee Rec Yds Avg Lg TD TE Owen Daniels vs. Tennessee Rec Yds Avg Lg TD RB Wali Lundy vs. Tennessee Rush Yds Avg Lg TD K Kris Brown vs. Tennessee FGM FGA Pct XPM XPA Lg P Chad Stanley vs. Tennessee Num Blk Yds Avg TB In , TEXANS-TITANS CONNECTIONS Texans Offense vs. Tennessee Nine games POINTS 157 First Downs Tot Rush Pass Pen Net Yards Tot Rush Pass 2, ,846 Misc. Stats Pen Yds. TOP :05 Texans Defense vs. Tennessee Nine games POINTS 201 First Downs Tot Rush Pass Pen Net Yards Tot Rush Pass 2,981 1,107 1,874 Misc. Stats Pen Yds TOP :55 QB David Carr vs. Tennessee Att Cmp Yds TD Int Lg Rate , t Texans with ties to the state of Tennessee: G Fred Weary (Tennessee), DT Thomas Johnson (Hamilton, Middle Tennessee State). Titans with ties to the state of Texas: FB Ahmard Hall (Galveston, University of Texas), WR Brandon Jones (Texarkana), T Daniel Loper (Houston, Texas Tech), TE Bo Scaife (University of Texas), DT Robaire Smith (Houston Texans), QB Vince Young (Houston, University of Texas), Special Teams Coach Alan Lowry (Defensive Backs, University of Texas, Defensive Assistant/ Quality Control, Houston Oilers), Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers Dave McGinnis (Snyder, Texas Christian, Graduate Assistant, Texas Christian, Defensive Backs, Texas Christian), Offensive line Coach Mike Munchak (Player, Houston Oilers, Offensive Assistant/Quality Control, Houston Oilers), Wide Receivers Coach Ray Sherman (Running Backs, Houston Oilers, Wide Receivers, Houston Oilers), Defensive Line Coach Jim Washburn (Graduate Assistant, Southern Methodist University, Defensive Line, University of Houston), Defensive Backs Coach Everett Withers (Defensive Backs, University of Texas). College Teammates: Texans LB DaShon Polk and Titans WR Bobby Wade at Arizona; Texans T Brad Bedell and Titans RB Chris Brown at Colorado; Texans DE Mario Williams and Titans LB Stephen Tulloch at N.C. State; Texans LB Morlon Greenwood and Titans LB Keith Bulluck at Syracuse;

7 HOUSTON TEXANS vs. TENNESSEE TITANS Texans G Fred Weary and Titans DT Albert Haynesworth and RB Travis Henry at Tennessee; Texans TE Mark Bruener and Titans G Benji Olson at Washington; Texans TE Owen Daniels and Titans WR Jonathan Orr at Wisconsin. TENNESSEE TITANS PREVIEW With five wins in their last seven games the Tennessee Titans have turned around their season that opened with five consecutive losses. For the second week in a row a field goal by K Rob Bironas with seconds remaining clinched the win for Tennessee, beating Indianapolis at home last week. Their previous game, Tennessee scored 24 points in the fourth quarter to secure a home victory over the New York Giants. Head Coach Jeff Fisher is the only coach in Titans history. He has been the head coach of the organization since Fisher has led his team to four playoff appearances in 12 years leading Bud Adams team. At quarterback the Titans started the season with 12-year veteran Kerry Collins. Collins started the first three games. In Week 4, QB Vince Young received the starting nod. After two rough losses at Indianapolis and at home against Dallas, Young got his first NFL win at Washington. Young is a threat as a rusher and as a passer. Young has thrown for 10 touchdowns and rushed for another four. RB Travis Henry has been a key to the Titans success. Henry has rushed 192 times for 849 yards with five touchdowns this season. WR Drew Bennett leads all Titans receivers with 36 receptions for 549 yards and three touchdowns. Young has also connected with his college teammate, TE Bo Scaife, whose numbers have been steadily increasing since Young took the reigns. The Titans defense has been helping keep them in games LB Keith Bulluck leads all Titans defenders with over 100 tackles so far this season. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch leads the Titans with 4.5 sacks on the season. The Titans defense ranks last in the league, and has struggled equally against the run and the pass. In spite of a low-ranking defense and an offense that has seen its share of struggles; the Titans have done what good teams do on Sunday when they have found a way to win. WHAT TO LOOK FOR THIS WEEK K Kris Brown extending his team record of scoring in consecutive games. He enters this week with 47. QB David Carr passing the 13,000 career passing mark with 225 yards through the air. 7 Carr pursuing a plus 70 percent completion percentage, becoming only the fourth player since the AFL/NFL merger in 1970 to accomplish that feat. Carr looks to join Ken Anderson (Cincinnati, 1982 at 70.6), Steve Young (San Francisco, 1994 at 70.3), and Joe Montana (San Francisco 1989 at 70.2). Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak was Young s QB coach in San Francisco in TE Owen Daniels extending his Texans record of five TD receptions by a tight end. Daniels improving on his Texans rookie record of five TD receptions. Daniels moving into third place on the Texans all-time rookie receiving list with 36 yards. He would pass RB Domanick Davis, who had 351 yards in WR Andre Johnson holds the Texans rookie mark with 976 yards in WR Andre Johnson establishing a career-high with five 100-yard receiving games this season. Johnson moving into second place alltime in Texans history with two receiving touchdowns. He sits one behind WR Corey Bradford who has 18. Johnson tying a career high in TD receptions with one. He had six during his Pro Bowl campaign of Johnson eclipsing the 1,000-yard receiving mark with 9 yards. It would be the second time in Johnson s career he surpassed the 1,000-yard plateau. RB Wali Lundy surpassing RB Jonathan Wells into second place in rushing yards by a rookie with 82. Wells rushed for 529 yards in Domanick Davis holds the Texans rookie record with 1,031 yards in WR Eric Moulds catching his 50th career receiving touchdown with one. G Chester Pitts starting his team record 77 th consecutive game. CB Dunta Robinson starting his 45 th consecutive game, the longest streak by a Texans defender. (Robinson has started every game during his NFL career). DE Mario Williams extending the Texans rookie sack record. He currently has 4.5. Williams tying the NFL record for sacks by a number one overall pick with two. Bruce Smith had 6.5 during his rookie season in G Chester Pitts, G Steve McKinney, K Kris Brown and P Chad Stanley playing in their 77 th consecutive game. These are the only four players to appear in all the Texan games.

8 HOUSTON TEXANS vs. TENNESSEE TITANS Give the Texans their fifth win, which would tie them for second most wins in a season with three games remaining. Improve the Texans record to 5-8 on the 2006 season. Give the Texans their third home win in Give the Texans their first back-toback wins since the won at Chicago (12/19/04) and at Jacksonville (12/26/04). Improve the Texans record to 2-0 vs. the AFC South at home. Snap a three-game losing streak to Tennessee. Improve the Texans record to 3-7 against Tennessee. Improve the Texans record to 3-2 in AFC South play this season. Improve the Texans record to 2-0 in the month of December. Give the Texans their first two-win month of December since RECORD Texans 2006 Record: (4-8) Titans 2006 Record: (5-7) Texans Offense vs. Titans Defense (NFL Rank) TEAM TOTAL RUSHING PASSING Texans O (28) 99.0 (24) (21) Titans D (32) (30) (28) Texans Defense vs. Titans Offense (NFL Rank) TEAM TOTAL RUSHING PASSING Texans D (25) (16) (27) Titans O (25) (5) (28) Texans Special Teams vs. Titans Special Teams (NFL Rank) TEAM A TEXANS WIN WOULD REGULAR SEASON STATS Punt Ret. Avg. Punt coverage Kick Ret. Avg. Kick Coverage Texans 12.2 (3) 7.8 (12) 23.0 (11) 20.9 (7) Titans 11.9 (4) 7.7 (11) 22.0 (21) 22.5 (19) 8 David Carr Wali Lundy Ron Dayne Andre Johnson Eric Moulds Owen Daniels Kris Brown Andre Johnson Owen Daniels TEXANS SEASON LEADERS DeMeco Ryans 114 Morlon Greenwood 76 Dunta Robinson 61 C.C. Brown 50 SACKS Mario Williams 4.5 DeMeco Ryans 3.5 PASSING for 2,251 yards, 10 TD RUSHING 115 carries for 448 yards, 4 TD 80 carries for 278 yards, 1 TD RECEIVING 85 catches for 991 yards, 5 TD 50 catches for 513 yards, 1 TD 31 catches for 318 yards, 5 TD SCORING 63 points (15 FG- 18 PATs) 30 points (5 TD) 30 points (5 TD) TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS Dunta Robinson 2 for 9 yards 1TD TEXANS TOP TEN NFL RANKINGS David Carr leads the NFL with a 69.1 percent completion rate. is second with a fourth-quarter QB rating. is tied for the NFL lead with seven fourth- quarter touchdown passes. is ninth with an 87.4 QB rating. Andre Johnson leads the NFL with 85 receptions. is second with 991 receiving yards. is third in the NFL with an 87.6 receiving yard average. is seventh with 48 receptions going for first downs. is tied for fourth in single-game receptions with 11 against the Redskins. Owen Daniels is tied for fifth among tight ends with five touchdown receptions. DeMeco Ryans leads for the NFL lead with 97 solo tackles. is second with 114 total tackles SEASON STATS Houston Opponents Total First Downs Rushing Passing Penalty rd Down: Made/Att 60/154 65/148 3rd Down Pct. 39.0% 43.9%

9 HOUSTON TEXANS vs. TENNESSEE TITANS 4th Down: Made/Att 7/10 4/8 4th Down Pct. 70.0% 50.0% Possession Avg. 29:53 30:08 Total Net Yards Avg. Per Game Total Plays Avg. Per Play Net Yards Rushing Avg. Per Game Total Rushes Net Yards Passing Avg. Per Game Sacked/Yards Lost 36/210 24/161 Gross Yards Attempts/Completions 392/ /244 Completion Pct. 69.1% 63.0% Had Intercepted 8 9 Punts/Average 55/ /46.2 Net Punting Avg Penalties/Yards 71/575 79/644 Fumbles/Ball Lost 25/12 11/7 Touchdowns Rushing 7 12 Passing Returns NFL HONORS The Texans have improved in 2006 behind a group of rookies and a veteran wide receiver. Through the first half of the season, the Texans have racked up many accolades around the country. Here is what the experts feel about the Texans first half. Andre Johnson Dr. Z's Sleeper All-Pros AFC Offensive Player of the Week 4 FOX Sports.com s Adam Schein s First Half Awards- Most underrated players FOX Sports.com s Roger Rotter s Midseason Awards- Top surprises ESPN s Len Pasquarelli s 2006 Midseason All-Pro Team NBC Sport s Midseason awards- Overlooked Story of the First Half DeMeco Ryans SI s Peter King s NFL first-half awards- Defensive Rookie SI s Peter King s All-Rookie Team SI s 2006 All-Impact Team FOX Sports.com s Adam Schein s First Half Awards- Top defensive rookie ESPN s Eric Allen s Midseason Awards- Defensive rookie ESPN s Jeremy Green s Midseason Awards- Defensive rookie Owen Daniels SI s Peter King s All-Rookie Team SI s 2006 All-Impact Team FOX Sports.com s Roger Rotter s Midseason Awards- Top Rookies Mario Williams SI s Peter King s All-Rookie Team SI s 2006 All-Impact Team NBC Sport s Midseason awards- Overlooked Story of the First Half TEXANS/RAIDERS GAME NOTES Houston Texans 23 Oakland Raiders 14 The Texans defense shut out the Raiders in the first quarter. It was the seventh time this season that Houston has shut out its opponent in the opening period. The four sacks registered by the Texans defense in the first half was a franchise record for the first 30 minutes. Houston has had three sacks in the first half on three occasions, the last coming earlier this season against Miami (10/1). CB Demarcus Faggins 58-yard fumble return for a touchdown was his second career touchdown. Faggins had a 40-yard interception return for a score on 10/31/04 versus Jacksonville. The fumble recovery was the first of Faggins career. Faggins touchdown was the second of the year for the Texans defense. CB Dunta Robinson scored on a nine-yard interception return for a touchdown on 11/19 versus Buffalo. FS C.C. Brown registered his second career forced fumble when he stripped Raiders RB ReShard Lee on the opening drive. LB DeMeco Ryans sacked Raiders QB Aaron Brooks in the first quarter, giving him 3.5 sacks on the season. Ryans put up double digit tackle numbers once again, finishing with 15 tackles (14 solos). Ryans finished the day with 15 tackles, three passes defensed, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble a QB hurry and a fumble recovery. DT Lional Dalton got his first sack of the season when he dropped Brooks for a twoyard loss in the second quarter. DE Jason Babin notched his fourth sack of the season and the 12 th of his career when he dropped Brooks for a 15-yard loss in the second quarter. Four sacks on the season ties Babin s career single-season high. He has had four sacks in each of his three professional seasons. Babin s sack moved him into second place on the Texans all-time sack list, passing Jamie Sharper, who had

10 HOUSTON TEXANS vs. TENNESSEE TITANS DE N.D. Kalu recorded his first sack as a Texan and his 27 th career sack when he dropped Brooks for minus-12 yards in the second quarter. SS Glenn Earl recorded his second sack of the season for a 12 yard loss in the fourth quarter. CB Dexter McCleon intercepted his first pass of the season and first as a Texan. It was McCleon s 31 st career interception. McCleon s interception was the team s 10 th of the season, matching the 2002 team s total, the third-best in franchise history. DE Mario Williams forced Brooks into a poor throw on McCleon s interception when he hit Brooks as he was throwing the ball. TE Jeb Putzier matched his season high with two catches. WR Jerome Mathis 87 yards on the opening kickoff of the second half was the third longest of his career. RB Wali Lundy s three-yard TD run in the third quarter moved him into second place among Texans rookies with his fourth rushing TD. RB Domanick Davis had eight rushing touchdowns in RB Ron Dayne turned in his best day of the season, rushing for 95 yards on 18 carries. Dayne s previous best on the season was 58 yards against both Washington (9/24) and Miami (10/1). Dayne s 19-yard carry in the third quarter was his longest of the season. CB Dexter Wynn s 58-yard punt return in the fourth quarter was his longest of the season. It was also Wynn s longest of his career. The 58-yard return was the second-longest punt return in team history. WR Avion Black returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown versus Baltimore on 10/15/02. Gave the Texans four wins, doubling their win total from last season. Improved their all-time record to 2-0 against Oakland and 3-5 against the AFC West. This marked the Texans first win in the state of California. Gave the Texans their second road win in Houston became the first team since the 1981 Houston Oilers to win a game with negative passing yards. The Texans finished the day with negative five passing yards. The Oilers finished with minus four passing yards in win over Cincinnati. Houston s minus five yards passing were the least yards passing in a win since the Philadelphia Eagles beat the New York Giants with minus 13 passing yards on 12/11/77. NEXT GAME at NEW ENGLAND Houston makes its last road trip of the season when they make their first trip to Foxboro, Mass. to face the New England Patriots. The Texans and Patriots will square off for the second time. During the Patriots run to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003, New England needed some overtime magic to defeat the Texans at Reliant Stadium. Trailing 20-13, New England scored with 40 second remaining to force the game into overtime. It was the last time the Patriots would trail in a game until the Super Bowl against the Carolina Panthers which was played in Houston, eight games later. When the Texans step into Gillette Stadium, it will signify the Texans having played in every AFC city. Houston played in Oakland for the first time last week. THIS WEEK IN THE AFC SOUTH Week 14 in the AFC South pits the Houston Texans taking on the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts traveling to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars. This is the only time this season all four teams square off with one another this season. This season, the Texans, Titans and Colts all have at least two wins in the division. Jacksonville is searching for their second on Sunday. TEXANS PRACTICE POLICY Head coach Gary Kubiak will be available to the media following each practice on the field along with Texans assistant coaches. Photographers will be allowed to only shoot the stretching and warm-up periods. At the end of warm-ups, all photographers must leave practice following warm-ups, but may return at the end of practice to shoot coach Kubiak s post-practice comments. Only local Houston-area media will be allowed to attend practice. Out of town media will be allowed to interview coach Kubiak at the end of practice. A member of the Texans PR staff also will be on hand at all practices to assist the media. The following is the Houston Texans weekly media access schedule: Monday Gary Kubiak 3:30 p.m. CT Tuesday Players Day Off Community Appearances All player appearances will be sent out the Friday before the Tuesday appearance. 10 Wednesday Practice-11:40 a.m.-1:30 p.m. CT

11 Gary Kubiak- after practice Open Locker Room- Approximately 2:45 p.m. Thursday Practice- 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. CT Gary Kubiak- after practice Open Locker Room- Approximately 2:45 p.m. Friday Practice 11:05 a.m.-12:35 p.m. CT Gary Kubiak after practice Coaches available after practice/ Players available after meetings Saturday Walk-Thru Closed to Media HOUSTON TEXANS vs. TENNESSEE TITANS INTERVIEW REQUESTS Texans players and coaches are available to media on the field following workouts. Head Coach Gary Kubiak will speak with the media after every practice. All interview requests for the Houston Texans executives, coaches, and players should go through the Texans media relations department. For out-of-town media requesting Texans players and assistant coaches, please send your request to Kevin Cooper at and his office phone is (832) , or Zac Emmons at and his office phone is (832) Requests for Owner Bob McNair, General Manager Rick Smith and Head Coach Gary Kubiak should be sent to the attention of VP of Communications Tony Wyllie. His e- mail address is and office phone is (832) MEDIA WEBSITE To access the Houston Texans media website, go to The section contains all of the Texans press materials, historical and team statistics. The Texans website is the access point for media to submit credential requests. Credentials for the regular season can be obtained by applying on the media website. Follow the prompts to the credential application and fill out thoroughly. Your request will be processed and you will be notified through e- mail. WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT DeMECO RYANS Buffalo Bills Head Coach Dick Jauron November 15, 2006 (on LB DeMeco Ryans) I really liked him coming out of college. He obviously comes from a major program and performed at a high level there so there is no surprise that he s performing at a high level in the National Football League because he s played under those kinds of pressures. (He s) a smart player, a player that s got athletic ability and feel for the game and certainly a passion for the game. New York Jets Head Coach Eric Mangini November 12, 2006 (on rookie LB DeMeco Ryans) I really like him. I think that he s extremely fast and has really good instincts. His ability to move through traffic and navigate through the blocker and make tackle after tackle is rare. I think he s going to be a good player in the league for a long time 11

12 THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER Houston is nearing the end of a 10-week stretch that will see the Texans hit the road seven times, including three straight, a franchise record. Houston has gone 3-5 in the last eight weeks, beating Jacksonville twice and winning in Oakland last Sunday. The Texans win at Jacksonville on 11/12 snapped a 12-game road losing streak. The current 10-game midseason stretch began on 10/15 at Dallas. The Texans returned home on 10/22 and beat Jacksonville, 27-7, on Battle Red Day. Three straight road games followed, taking the Texans to Tennessee (10/29) and New York to face the Giants (11/5), and concluding with a win at Jacksonville (11/12). Houston played its first home game in a month against Buffalo (11/19) before traveling back to New York last weekend to play the Jets (11/26) and then hitting the West Coast to face the Raiders in Oakland (12/3), coming out with a win. The Texans return home to face Tennessee this week before setting out again, this time to New England (12/17). The Texans conclude the season with back-to-back home games against Indianapolis (12/24) and Cleveland (12/31). REVERSAL OF FORTUNES After giving up an average of yards per game in the first three games of the season, the Houston defense has turned things around in the last nine outings, allowing nearly 190 fewer yards per game in that time span. Beginning with the Texans Week 4 home win over Miami (10/1), the defense is allowing just total net yards per game. The secondary has cut opponents passing attacks from yards per game over the first three to just in the last nine, while the opposition is rushing for nearly 63 fewer yards per game. The defense ranks 25th in the league in total yards per game allowed, but since the beginning of October, Houston is 10th in that category. In fact, no defense has improved more in the last two months than the Texans. Houston s improvement of yards per game is more than 120 yards better than the next-most improved team, the New York Giants. TEXANS TEAM NOTES Defensive Improvement Since October 1 Yards Per Game Team First 3 Since Change 1 Houston Texans New York Giants Cleveland Browns Green Bay Packers New York Jets Yards Per Game Allowed, Last 10 Weeks (Through Sunday, Dec. 3) Net Rush Pass Yards/ Team Gms. Yards Yards Yards Game Chi. 9 2,420 1,024 1, Oak. 10 2,743 1,261 1, Min. 9 2, , N.E. 9 2, , Car. 8 2, , Mia. 9 2, , Jax. 9 2, , Bal. 9 2, , Dal. 10 2, , Hou. 9 2, , Texans Defensive Improvement First 3 Games Last 9 Games Rush Yards/Gm Pass Yards/Gm Total Yards/Gm DEFENSE MAKING A POINT The ultimate measure of a defense s success is whether or not it can keep the opposition from scoring. In the first three games of this season, the Texans allowed a league-worst 32.7 points per game, but in the last nine outings, the defense has turned things around considerably. In the last 10 weeks, Houston is giving up an average of 19.1 points per game. That average is the 11th-lowest in the NFL since October 1. Taking away a fumble return for touchdown and punt return for touchdown by Tennessee on 10/29 and a fumble return for touchdown last week at Oakland (12/3), the defense s scoring average would drop to 16.7 points per game since the beginning of October. No other team has improved its scoring defense more than the Texans have over the last 10 weeks. Most Improved Scoring Defenses, Last 10 Weeks (Thru 12/3) Points/Game Team Wk. 1-3 Wk Change Houston NY Giants Oakland New England Carolina TOUGH SLEDDING The Texans offense has struggled recently to move the ball and put points on the board, averaging net yards and 16.6 points per 12

13 game. Their yardage output ranks 28th in the NFL and scoring average is 30th overall. Those numbers are explained at least partially by the caliber of defenses that Houston has faced in recent weeks. In the last 10 weeks, the Texans have played the numbers three (Oakland), four (Jacksonville), six (Miami) and seven (Jacksonville) defenses in the NFL. With two games against Jacksonville, the Texans have played five of the last eight games against top-10 defenses. In five games against those teams, the Texans are averaging yards per game. Against the rest of the schedule, the offense has averaged yards per game, a difference of almost 60 yards per game. Jacksonville, Dallas and Miami are all in the top 10 in scoring defense as well. In four games against those teams, the Texans have averaged 15.8 points per game, compared to an average of 17.0 points per game against the rest of the schedule. Of the Texans last four opponents, only New England (ninth) ranks in the top 10 in total defense. Indianapolis ranks 17 th, Cleveland is currently 21 st, and Tennessee is last in total defense. Those four teams are allowing an average of yards and 20.4 points per game. Texans vs. Top 10 Defenses NFL Rank Texans Output Team YPG PPG Yards Points Oakland Jacksonville Jacksonville Miami Dallas GETTING CARRIED AWAY One of the hallmarks of Head Coach Gary Kubiak s offenses in Denver was a strong rushing attack. In his 11 years as offensive coordinator in the Mile High City, the Broncos ran for a league-high 25,022 yards. During that time span, Denver averaged an NFL-best yards per game on the ground, keying an offense that was the most productive in the league overall. The Texans averaged a paltry 67.6 yards per game on the ground over this season s first five games, ranking them last in the NFL, and the team s 3.0 yards per carry average was 31st in the league. In the last seven games, however, the running game has displayed significant improvement. Houston has averaged yards per game on the ground, which is 14thbest in the NFL. The team has also averaged 4.3 yards per carry the last seven weeks, an improvement of nearly a yard and a half on every rushing attempt. The Texans have run for at least 125 yards five times in the last seven weeks, TEXANS TEAM NOTES 13 including a pair of 148-yard outings and a 188- yard effort against Buffalo (11/19), which was the second-best rushing performance in franchise history. The Texans top five individual rushing performances of the season have all come in the last seven games, including RB Wali Lundy s 116-yard outing at Tennessee (10/29) and RB Ron Dayne s 95-yard day last Sunday at Oakland (12/3). They have also rushed for six touchdowns in the last seven weeks compared to just one in the first five games. Texans Rushing Offense Improvement First 5 Games Last 7 Games Rush Yds/Gm Rush Yds/Att Rush TD 1 6 NOW AND THEN The Houston Texans upped their record to 4-8 on the season with a win over the Oakland Raiders last week in Oakland. The Texans triumphed thanks to standout performances from the Texans defensive and special teams units After fielding one of the worst offensive attacks in the league a year ago, the Texans offense has shown significant improvement. Houston s passing attack has improved by more than 60 yards per game, and the total offense is 48.6 yards per game better than a year ago. Defensively, the Texans have gotten better each week and are giving up 26.9 fewer yards and 5.9 fewer points per game than they did at the same time last year. Texans NFL Ranks, 2005 vs After Week Avg. Rank Avg. Rank Total Off Pass Off Rush Off t Scoring Off Total Def Pass Def Rush Def Scoring Def KUBIAK IN DIVISION REMATCHES The Texans face Tennessee this weekend in their second rematch with an AFC South division opponent of the year. Houston defeated Jacksonville, 13-10, in their second game against Jaguars on 11/12 to sweep the season series. Houston is 3-10 all-time in rematches with division opponents. Before this season, both wins came in 2004, when Houston swept both Jacksonville and Tennessee. Houston will be seeking a split of the series with Tennessee

14 TEAM NOTES/TEXANS OFFENSE this year, something that has never happened between the Texans and the Titans. Head Coach Gary Kubiak was successful as Denver s offensive coordinator in rematches against AFC Western Division opponents. Kubiak s teams saw an overall improvement in both yards and points per game the second time through the division schedule. Against Kansas City, the Broncos saw their yardage total improve by an average of more than 25 yards in the second matchup of the season. Their scoring total went up by an average of two points per game. Denver struggled by comparison in rematches with Oakland, but against San Diego, the Broncos improved by over 30 yards per game and saw their scoring improve in rematches with the Chargers. First Game Second Game Avg. Avg. Avg. Avg. Opponent Yards Points Yards Points Kansas City Oakland San Diego Totals HEAD OF THE CLASS Despite being inactive for two games, sixth-round pick RB Wali Lundy leads the team with 448 rushing yards and leads the team with four rushing touchdowns. Lundy s 391 rushing yards in the past seven weeks are the second-most by any rookie running back in the NFL. Additionally, both of the offensive tackles that the Texans selected in the third round have played key roles on offense. T Charles Spencer started the first two games at left tackle before breaking a bone in his leg, and T Eric Winston made his first career start at RT against Buffalo on 11/19. Texans Rookies Performance DE Mario Williams 4.5 sacks LB DeMeco Ryans 114 tackles*, 97 solo tackles**, 3.5 sacks TE Owen Daniels 31 catches*, 318 yards*, 5 TDs* RB Wali Lundy 115 rushes, 448 yards, 4 TDs * - leads all NFL rookies ** - leads NFL Following the 2006 NFL Draft, many analysts called Houston s draft one of the best in the league, and the Texans rookie class is busy validating that statement. As they begin the second half of their first professional season, Texans rookies lead the team in rushing yards, receiving touchdowns, tackles and sacks. No team in NFL history has seen rookies lead their team in all four categories. The 1995 Houston Oilers came the closest when Rodney Thomas led the team with 947 rushing yards, Chris Sanders made nine touchdown receptions and Anthony Cook was tied for the team lead with 4.5 sacks. DE Mario Williams, the first overall pick in the draft, leads the team and has already set a franchise rookie record with 4.5 sacks so far this season. Williams recorded a sack in three straight games from 10/22 against Jacksonville to 11/5 at the Giants, the secondlongest such streak in team history. Second-round pick LB DeMeco Ryans, leads the team with 114 total tackles, including 97 solo stops, and is third on the team with 3.5 sacks. Ryans 114 tackles are the most among rookies and are the second-most in the league overall, and his 97 solo tackles are the most by any player in the NFL. Fourth-round pick TE Owen Daniels is tied for the team lead and has already set a franchise rookie record with five receiving touchdowns this year. His five touchdowns are tied for the fifth-most in the NFL by a tight end so far this season and are four better than any other rookie tight end this year. OFFENSE Troy Calhoun Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks 2006: Offensive Coordinator/ Quarterbacks, Houston Texans 2005: Assistant to Head Coach, Denver Broncos 2004: Offensive Assistant/ Special Teams, Denver Broncos 2003: Defensive Assistant, Denver Broncos : Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Wake Forest : Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Ohio University : Quarterbacks, Ohio University : Recruiting Coordinator/JV Offensive Coordinator, Air Force : Graduate Assistant, Air Force OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW The Texans offense entered the 2006 season looking to establish a foundation for success after struggling to put points on the board in Under the guidance of first-year head coach Gary Kubiak and offensive coordinator 14

15 Troy Calhoun, that is exactly what has happened. The scheme installed by the former Denver offensive coordinator is the same one that has made the Broncos one of the most prolific attacks in the NFL over the last 11 years. Kubiak s scheme has always been considered quarterback-friendly, and that has proved to be true thus far in David Carr has completed 69.1 percent of his passes, and he opened the year with a string of consecutive passes without an interception that reached 99 dating back to last season, matching the longest such streak of his career. Carr tied the NFL record for consecutive completions in a game when he connected on 22 straight passes against Buffalo on 11/19. His 69.1 completion percentage is the best in the NFL this season, and he has put up plus-100 passer ratings three times this year, including the first two games of the year. It was just the second time in his career that he posted plus-100 ratings in consecutive games. The hallmark of the Denver offense under Kubiak was the running game, particularly the fact that undrafted free agents and late-round draft picks seemingly came out of nowhere to rush for 1,000 yards or more every year. The Texans struggled on the ground early on this season as they grew more accustomed to the zone blocking concepts employed by Kubiak, but there have been flashes of improvement. Rookie Wali Lundy, a sixth-round draft pick, followed a 93-yard, one touchdown game against Jacksonville (10/22) with 116 yards at Tennessee (10/29). Veteran free agent Ron Dayne, the NCAA s all-time leading rusher and the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner, is third on the team with 278 yards thus far, including a 95-yard effort in the Texans win at Oakland (12/3). Samkon Gado, who the Texans acquired via trade, converted a key fourth-and-one rush to seal the victory at Jacksonville (11/12). Despite the struggles on the ground, Houston s passing attack has flourished so far this season. WR Andre Johnson has returned to his Pro Bowl form of 2004 with a career-best 85 catches for 991 yards, including four 100- yard receiving games. His reception total is tops in the league, and his yardage total is the fifth-best. His five touchdown catches are tied for the most on the team. Johnson is also benefiting from the addition of three-time Pro Bowl WR Eric Moulds on the other side of the field. Moulds has turned in 50 receptions for 513 yards and a touchdown so far in Moulds caught his 700th career pass on 10/22 against Jacksonville, becoming just the 23rd player in NFL history to reach that mark. The tight ends have already been more involved in the attack than at any time in franchise history. Rookie Owen Daniels is tied for fifth in the league among tight ends with five TEXANS OFFENSE 15 touchdowns, setting franchise records for touchdowns by a tight end and by a rookie, and veteran Mark Bruener has a pair of touchdowns on the year. Their seven combined scores are the most in a season by the tight end position in franchise history. None of this will be possible, however, without improved play from the offensive line. Carr was sacked a league-high 68 times in The new scheme emphasizes more mobile linemen and features more moving pockets, which should help give Carr more time to throw. Through 12 games in 2006, Texans passers have been sacked 34 times, compared to the 50 given up over the first 12 games of last season. OFFENSE POSITION-BY-POSITION Quarterbacks The Texans made David Carr the first draft choice in franchise history in 2002, and he has been the team s starting quarterback from day one. The franchise reaffirmed its commitment to Carr in February by exercising a team option on his contract. Despite being sacked more than any quarterback in the league in 2005, Carr managed to complete over 60% of his passes and throw for more touchdowns than interceptions for the second year in a row. He has improved on those numbers thus far in 2006, completing a league-best 69.1 percent of his passes and throwing for 10 touchdowns versus just seven interceptions in his first 12 games. Carr is quietly one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the NFL. His 308 rushing yards last year ranked second in the league, behind only Atlanta s Michael Vick. His running ability makes him a perfect fit for Kubiak s system, which calls for the quarterback to roll out and throw on the run often. Now in his fifth year, Carr continues to grow as a leader on the team and is determined to turn the Texans into a winner. QB David Carr has improved significantly under the tutelage of Head Coach Gary Kubiak. Joining Carr at quarterback is secondyear pro Bradlee Van Pelt, who joined the Texans (11/28) prior to Week 12. Van Pelt saw limited action as the second-team quarterback in Denver last season, completing two of eight passes for seven yards and rushing 11 times for 48 yards and a touchdown. Houston also signed rookie QB Quinton Porter from the practice

16 squad on 12/2. Porter finished his career at Boston College with 3,203 passing yards, the 10th-highest total in school history. Running Backs The tailback position has undergone more change than any other position on the offensive side of the ball thus far in Rookie RB Wali Lundy, the team s sixth-round pick out of Virginia, led the team with 143 rushing yards in the preseason, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Lundy turned in the team s best individual rushing performance of the year with 116 yards on 18 carries at Tennessee (10/29). The week before, he had 93 yards and a touchdown on Battle Red Day against Jacksonville (10/22). At Virginia, he rushed for 3,193 yards, and his 52 career touchdowns set a Cavaliers record. Midway through Week 2, Houston acquired second-year RB Samkon Gado in a trade with Green Bay. Gado came out of nowhere in 2005, moving up from the Packers practice squad to lead the team in rushing with 582 yards. He became the first rookie to lead the Packers in rushing since Kenneth Davis did so in Gado s storybook rookie year saw him earn Rookie of the Week honors twice and Rookie of the Month accolades in November Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne joined the Texans prior to the season opener after spending the 2005 season playing under Kubiak in Denver. A big, bruising back with surprising speed, Dayne has rushed for 2,520 yards and 17 touchdowns in his six-year career. Last season with Denver, he amassed 270 yards and a touchdown. His best game came on Thanksgiving Day at Dallas, when he ran for 98 yards and a touchdown, and his 55-yard jaunt in overtime set up the game-winning field goal. Free agent signee Jameel Cook will start at fullback. The sixth-year veteran from Illinois joins the Texans from Tampa Bay, where he played the first five years of his career and won Super Bowl XXXVII. Cook emerged early in the off-season as one of the vocal leaders of the squad. Primarily a receiving threat out of the backfield, Cook has caught 73 passes for 446 yards and three scores in his career. FB Vonta Leach joined the team following the bye week to provide depth behind Cook, and he made his Texans debut on 10/22 against Jacksonville. Leach began the season with Green Bay. At 6-0 and 250 pounds, Leach will be counted on to help open holes in the running game and to contribute on special teams. The third-year pro out of East Carolina has five career receptions for 19 yards. Wide Receivers The Texans are in great hands at wide receiver Pro Bowler Andre Johnson, one of the best young receivers in the game, won AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 4 TEXANS OFFENSE 16 and leads the NFL in receptions, with 84, and is third in receiving yards (982) and fourth in average yards per game (89.3). Johnson s 85 catches are a career high, surpassing his previous best of 79, set in Johnson, the team s all-time leading receiver, had what most players would consider a solid year in 2005, turning in 63 catches for 688 yards and two touchdowns. But for Johnson, those numbers represented a significant step back from his Pro Bowl season of a year before. A nagging calf injury slowed him all season, limiting his productivity. Finally back at 100%, Johnson entered 2006 with something to prove. Johnson s size (6-3, 222) and speed command double teams on virtually every play, yet he has still led the Texans in receiving in each of his three-plus seasons. Johnson s job has been made considerably easier this year with the addition of veteran receiver Eric Moulds. Moulds, a threetime Pro Bowl selection in Buffalo, joined the Texans via trade shortly before the draft. He and Johnson team up to form one of the NFL s most dangerous receiving duos. Like Johnson, he is big (6-2, 225) and strong, with the speed to stretch the defense. With Moulds on one side and Johnson on the other, defenses have been forced to pick their poison when facing the Texans in Moulds entered his 11th season with 675 career receptions for 9,096 yards and 48 touchdowns. Moulds has recorded four 1,000-yard seasons and one 100-catch year in his career. From , he and Johnson combined to catch 441 passes for 5,445 yards and 22 touchdowns. On 10/22/06 against Jacksonville, Moulds became the 23rd player in NFL history to reach 700 career receptions. As if Johnson and Moulds weren t dangerous enough, the Texans added yet another weapon to the passing attack in the offseason, signing restricted free agent Kevin Walter away from Cincinnati. A sure-handed receiver, Walter is deceptively fast and is excellent at finding holes in the defense. He played much of last season in the shadow of Cincinnati s stellar receiving duo of Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but he began to emerge late in the year, turning in a five-catch, 73-yard performance in the playoffs against Pittsburgh Pro Bowler Jerome Mathis rejoined the team in Week 12 at Oakland (12/3) and immediately made his presence felt in the return game, taking the opening kick of the second half back to the Raiders two-yard line to set up the game-tying touchdown. Arena League and NFL Europe veteran Derrick Lewis emerged from the preseason as the Texans leading receiver with 10 grabs for 137 yards and two touchdowns. The speedy Lewis led the AFL s Austin Wranglers with 1,411 receiving yards last spring after spending

17 training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Rookie David Anderson rounds out the receiving corps. Anderson, the Texans seventh-round draft pick out of Colorado State, finished his Rams career with 200 catches for 3,330 yards and 20 touchdowns. Tight Ends The tight end position has undergone a dramatic transformation this offseason, both in terms of personnel and responsibility. Rookie Owen Daniels, the Texans fourth-round draft pick, quickly worked his way to the top of the depth chart by displaying the ability to get open and showed excellent hands throughout the preseason. Daniels, who was converted from quarterback to tight end as a sophomore at Wisconsin in 2003, is tied with Johnson for the team lead with five touchdowns, setting franchise records for receiving touchdowns by a tight end and by a rookie. One of the biggest free agent signings in the offseason was Jeb Putzier, who signed with the Texans as a free agent after playing his first four seasons under Kubiak in Denver. Putzier possesses deceptive speed and has a knack for getting open. Just as important, he has an intimate knowledge of Kubiak s offensive system and has been able to help his teammates pick up its nuances. In his first four years, Putzier hauled in 77 receptions for 1,087 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He emerged as a consistent receiving threat over the previous two seasons, averaging 36.5 catches and yards per year. Veteran Mark Bruener returns for his third season in Houston and has seen his role increase significantly. Primarily a blocker in his first two seasons with the Texans, Bruener has hauled in four passes, two of which have gone for touchdowns. In his first two seasons in Houston, the University of Washington product recorded just six catches for 74 yards and no scores. Offensive Line Like most other units on the offensive side of the ball, the Texans offensive line has undergone a major change this offseason. The system that Kubiak brought from Denver calls for lighter, more mobile linemen who are capable of running and pulling in order to make many of the running plays work. The coaching staff also adjusted the personnel, moving Steve McKinney, the starting center for the last four seasons, to guard. McKinney entered the NFL as a guard with Indianapolis, which made the transition much easier for him. McKinney, who battled injuries throughout the preseason, is part of a three-man competition for the two starting guard slots. Chester Pitts slides inside from tackle to left guard for 2006, where he began last season. Pitts opened 2005 at guard before TEXANS OFFENSE 17 moving to the outside for the last 12 games of the year. Pitts is the only player to have played every offensive snap in Texans history, and he aims to keep that streak intact this year. The third player battling for playing time at guard is fifth-year pro Fred Weary. Weary started the last four games of 2005 at right guard, and has played in 32 games with 15 starts in his fouryear career in Houston. G Fred Weary has been a key part of an improved Texans offensive line. Veteran tackle Ephraim Salaam, a free agent signing from Jacksonville, moved into the starting lineup at left tackle in Week 3 against Washington. Salaam played under Kubiak in Denver from and will be another veteran that the coaches rely on to help teach the intricacies of the system. Rookie Eric Winston made his first career start at RT against Buffalo on 11/19. Winston, who was selected in the third round of April s draft, has been playing on the offensive line for less than three full seasons. An All-American tight end in high school, he outgrew the position and moved to tackle at Miami (Fla.) after his freshman season. He was considered one of the premier tackles in America going into his junior season in 2004, but a torn ACL took him out of action midseason. He struggled to regain his form early on in 2005, but improved as the year went on and earned first-team All-America honors and was named the ACC s top offensive lineman. At center, second-year lineman Drew Hodgdon took over the starting job in Week 12 at Oakland (12/3). Drafted in the fifth round in 2005, Hodgdon was selected with an eye to the future. He played in four games as a rookie while backing up McKinney before being placed on injured reserve with a foot injury in November. Hodgdon has provided depth behind Flanagan and started against Miami (10/1) and Dallas (10/15). Veteran Brad Bedell will each back up both tackle positions. Bedell, a fifth-year pro in his first year with the Texans, has the versatility to play both guard and tackle. The former Colorado Buffalo filled in against Miami (10/1) when Salaam left the game briefly. Third-year pro Jake Scott joined the team prior to the Week 8 game at Tennessee (10/29), and fifth-

18 OFFENSIVE NOTES/TEXANS DEFENSE year tackle Mike Pearson was signed prior to the team s Week 11 game against Buffalo (11/19). Both will provide depth at tackle and guard. Rookie Charles Spencer opened the season as the starting left tackle after winning the job during the preseason, but was lost for the season when he suffered a broken leg in Week 2 at Indianapolis. Spencer went to Pittsburgh as a defensive lineman before shifting to offensive guard as a junior and eventually to tackle last season as a senior. Veteran Zach Weigert started the first nine games at right tackle before a torn right ACL at Jacksonville (11/12) sidelined him for the rest of the year. DAYNE GIVING 117% After being inactive for the previous three games, RB Ron Dayne returned to action in a big way in Sunday s win over Oakland. Dayne carried the ball 18 times for 95 yards and catching one pass for five yards. Dayne accounted for percent of the Texans net yards in the second half, rushing for 83 yards in the last 30 minutes. Including yardage lost through sacks, the Texans offense accounted for 82 net yards in the second half. Thanks to Dayne s efforts, the Texans scored nine points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Dayne was so vital to the Houston offense in crunch time that he carried the ball 15 times in the Texans final 19 plays of the game. Dayne s 95-yard day was the secondbest game by a Texans back this season and the fourth-best performance of his career. His 83 second-half yards are the second-most in Texans history in the second half. Only Wali Lundy s 91-yard second-half performance against Jacksonville (10/22) topped it. Johnson s yardage total is the secondhighest of his career, behind only his 1,142-yard season in He is on pace to finish 2006 with 1,321 receiving yards. He has turned in four 100-yard performances through the Texans first 12 games this season. Of Johnson s 85 receptions, more than half (48) have resulted in first downs. His 48 first downs are the seventh-most in the league for a receiver. 374 of his 991 yards (37.7%) have come after he caught the ball. Johnson s 82.6 yards per game average is the seventh-highest in the league. Andre Johnson, Year-By-Year Year Gms. Rec. Yards Avg. Yds/Gm TD , ANOTHER RECORD FOR ANDRE WR Andre Johnson, the Texans all-time leading receiver, holds nearly every receiving record in the franchise s brief history. Against the Jets at The Meadowlands (12/3), he set yet another team record. With his sixth catch of the game, and 80th of the year, Johnson broke his own singleseason reception mark. Johnson hauled in 79 passes in his Pro Bowl season of The fourth-year pro out of Miami has 85 catches on the year. He is currently on pace to catch 113 passes this year, which would tie Denver s Rod Smith for the 10th-best season in NFL history. The NFL record is 143 catches by Indianapolis Marvin Harrison in Johnson has re-established himself as one of the biggest playmakers in the NFL this season. His reception total leads all NFL receivers and his 991 receiving yards rank fifth. 18 WR Andre Johnson leads the NFL with 85 catches on the season. TEXANS RELIANT ON ANDRE WR Andre Johnson is on pace to have one of the greatest seasons by a wide receiver in NFL history, and a big reason for that has been his success at Reliant Stadium. In his last eight home games dating back to last season, Johnson has topped 100 yards six times, including four of the five home games thus far this season. In that time span, he is averaging more than eight catches for nearly 110 yards per game. Twice in the last eight home games has Johnson gone over 150 receiving yards, racking up 159 yards on 12 catches against St. Louis on 11/27/05 and hauling in 11 passes for 152 yards against Washington on 9/24/06. In his last home game, Johnson caught six passes for 76 yards against Buffalo (11/19).

19 OFFENSIVE NOTES/TEXANS DEFENSE Johnson was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts in Week 4 against Miami, when he caught nine passes for 101 yards and the game-winning touchdown. It was the first such honor of his career. Andre Johnson s Last 8 Home Games Date Opp Rec Yds Avg Lg TD 11/27/05 StL /18/05 Ari /24/05 Jac t 1 9/10/06 Phi /24/06 Was /1/06 Mia /22/06 Jax t 1 11/19/06 Buf Average What are they saying about Texans WR Andre Johnson Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Jack Del Rio (on WR Andre Johnson) Well, I think (WR) Andre (Johnson) is one of the better players in the game, and I've said so since the day I evaluated him coming out. It sure would be nice to have him, but he went to the Texans. He s a good football player. So no matter what you do with him, he s going to get some catches. Buffalo Bills Head Coach Dick Jauron (on WR Andre Johnson) I can t say enough. He s a terrific athlete obviously; he s born with terrific gifts for the position, (and) he s obviously used those gifts and works hard to make himself the player that he is. The scheme helps him, clearly the coaching staff has done a real nice job of getting the ball into his hands as often and as well as they can, which you definitely want to do with an athlete with this ability. OWEN GETTING OPEN Rookie TE Owen Daniels has emerged as one of the Texans most reliable receivers and one of the best rookie receivers in the NFL. Daniels is tied with WR Andre Johnson for the team lead with five touchdown catches and ranks third on the team in receptions, with 31, and receiving yards, with 318. Daniels five receiving touchdowns are tied for the third-most by a tight end in the NFL and gives Daniels the franchise record for touchdown catches by a rookie, eclipsing Johnson s total of four in It is also a Texans single-season record for tight ends, topping Billy Miller s three in 2002 and Daniels is already just two touchdowns shy of Miller s total of seven career touchdowns by a Texans tight end. Daniels leads all rookie tight ends in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, and 19 his receiving touchdown total is the second-best among NFL rookies, behind only New Orleans WR Marques Colston s seven scores. His 318 yards puts Daniels in third place on the Texans single-season receiving yardage totals by tight ends. Miller holds the franchise record with 613 yards in On 10/29 at Tennessee, Daniels tied the franchise record for receptions in a game by a rookie, hauling in nine passes. RB Domanick Davis had nine catches on 10/19/03 against the Jets. Daniels 99 receiving yards that day were the third-most by a rookie in team history. Rookie Tight Ends Player Tm. Rec. Yds. Avg. TD Daniels, O. Hou Klopfenstein, J. St.L Fasano, A. Dal Pope, L. Ari Davis, V. SF DEFENSE Richard Smith Defensive Coordinator 2006: Defensive Coordinator, Houston Texans 2005: Defensive Coordinator, Miami Dolphins : Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers, Detroit Lions : Linebackers, San Francisco 49ers 1996: Special Teams, Denver Broncos : Special Teams/Assistant Linebackers, Denver Broncos 1992: Special Teams/Assistant Offensive Line, Houston Oilers : Linebackers, Houston Oilers : Tight Ends/Special Teams, Houston Oilers 1987: Linebackers/Special Teams, Arizona : Outside Linebackers/Special Teams, California : Defensive Line, Cal State-Fullerton : Offensive Line, Rio Hondo (Calif.) Junior College DEFENSIVE OVERVIEW As much change as the offense will undergo, the Texans defense is going through every bit as much, if not more. Defensive coordinator Richard Smith changed the defense from the ground up, switching from the familiar 3-4 alignment used the last four seasons to a 4-3 setup. By putting an extra lineman on the field,

20 the defense should be better able to control the line of scrimmage. Smith preaches aggressiveness to his players, and one of his primary goals is to get more pressure on the opposing quarterback. The Texans defense in 2005 set a team record with 37 sacks, but overall, the defense still finished 31st in the NFL in total defense, giving up an average of yards per game. Ultimately, the goal of every defense is simple: keep the other team from scoring. Last season s Texans were largely ineffective in that endeavor, giving up a league-worst 26.9 points per game. With the obvious goal of shoring up the defense in mind, the Texans were more active this offseason than in any other year in team history, bringing in veterans at every level of the defense to add stability and leadership. The most striking move of the offseason came in April, when the team selected North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams with the first overall pick in the draft. Williams, a 6-6, 293-pound monster of an athlete, has the speed to beat any tackle around the corner to get the sack and the strength to hold the point of attack against the run. His versatility allows Smith the freedom to be creative with his defensive schemes throughout the season. At linebacker, the addition of rookie DeMeco Ryans in the middle and the return of veteran Kailee Wong to the outside have helped shore up the unit. The defensive backfield returns intact, with cornerback Dunta Robinson emerging as the leader of the secondary. The unit will strive to improve on last season s performance, when they intercepted a collective seven passes, the fewest in team history. Robinson, whose nine career INTs rank second in team history, is looking to make the leap to becoming one of the truly elite corners in the NFL. Finishing strong will be an area of emphasis for the defense in During the 2004 and 2005 seasons, the Texans lost 12 games in which they were ahead or tied after halftime. Improvement in this area will translate directly into the win-loss column, and will be a key factor in the team improving upon last season s result. DEFENSE POSITION-BY-POSITION Defensive Line With the arrival of head coach Gary Kubiak upgrades to the defense were only a matter of time. Considerable changes occurred during the 2006 offseason. New additions to the defensive front will join some old faces in new places as the move to a 4-3 defense reassigns some players. The 2006 draft has added depth on the defensive front. The first pick in the draft, DE Mario Williams, adds speed and size on the edge that will help contain runners and pressure passers. Williams leads the Texans in sacks with 4.5 through 12 games. Williams sack total is a Texans rookie record, surpassing the TEXANS DEFENSE 20 previous mark of 4.0 set by DE Jason Babin in Rated the top defensive player on the board, Williams is equally adept versus the pass and the run. The 6-6, 293-pound defensive end has shown the ability to beat offensive linemen around the corner, on the inside, or just overpower them. Graduating from high school a semester early allowed Williams to work out an extra semester with his teammates at North Carolina State and helped him earn the starting role as a freshman, a job that he retained his sophomore and junior seasons. Williams holds N.C. State career-record with 55.5 stops for losses of 237 yards, and also holds the career mark for sacks with As a junior in 2005, Williams accumulated 62 tackles (32 solos), led the ACC and was fourth in the nation with 14.5 sacks for a loss of 75 yards, led the team with 23 pressures, deflected five passes, blocked a kick, recorded a safety, caused two fumbles, and returned a fumble recovery four yards. During his senior campaign, Williams set a Wolfpack season record and ranked second in the NCAA Division 1-A ranks with 27.5 stops for losses totaling 111 yards. Williams performance earned him All-American first-team selections by The NFL Draft Report and Sports Illustrated. The acquisition of free agent Anthony Weaver has helped provide stability opposite of Williams. After playing defensive end in Baltimore s 3-4 scheme during his years there, Weaver has shown the ability to play effectively at both end and tackle in the 4-3. His strength and reliability make him an impressive run-stopper, and his quickness and technical ability make him equally adept at rushing the passer. The fifth-year pro has taken on a leadership role on the defensive line, serving as a mentor to Williams. Joining Williams and Weaver at defensive end are two Texans draft picks from previous years and a free agent acquired in the offseason. Antwan Peek moves back to a position that he played in college from OLB where he has played for the Texans the last three seasons. Peek s size and intensity translate well on the defensive line. After suffering a season- ending injury in 2004, Peek made a first-rate recovery to start every game of the 2005 season, and finished second on the team with a career-high six sacks, in addition to 57 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and had four passes defensed. Another Texans draft pick that was converted from defensive end in college to outside linebacker will be moving back down into a three-point stance. Jason Babin also moved a few steps forward to earn a spot on the Texans defensive line this year. After an earlyseason injury kept him out of four games in 2005, Babin fought his was back onto the field and was able to close the season with a careerbest game, registering 13 tackles and two sacks at San Francisco (1/1/06). During the 2005 season Babin played in 12 games, starting three,

21 and recorded 45 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles. Free agent signee N.D. Kalu is be the only defensive end for the Texans that played in that position in Now in his ninth NFL season, Kalu s experience and consistent production have helped anchor the defensive ends during a time of transition. While with Philadelphia in 2005, Kalu played in 15 games, starting eight, and collected 38 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Even at defensive tackle, there will be some transition. Free agent Lional Dalton joined the team prior to the Week 7 home game against Jacksonville. Dalton is expected to provide veteran leadership on the line and use his low center of gravity to hold the point of attack and plug holes in the middle. Third-year pro Anthony Maddox has played his way into the starting lineup since being called up from the practice squad on 10/10 and has registered 14 tackles. Thomas Johnson joined the team in the week leading up to the season opener after spending last year with Dallas. The second-year pro out of Middle Tennessee State saw action in two games with the Cowboys in 2005 and finished with a pair of tackles. Fourth-year pro Cedric Killings joined the team on 11/14 and will be counted on to provide depth at defensive tackle. TEXANS DEFENSE middle position, where he started all 16 games in 2005, to weakside linebacker. Last year, he registered a team-leading and career-high 144 tackles, a career-best two sacks, five passes defensed, one forced fumble, and the first two fumble recoveries of his career. In his third year with the Texans, Charlie Anderson provides depth at outside linebacker and is one of the stars of the Texans special teams coverage units. Troy Evans, in his fifth year with the Texans, was elected the special teams captain by his teammates before the season began. In 2005, he played in all 16 games, registering 26 tackles and one interception in addition to his 11 tackles and one fumble recovery on special teams. In the 2005 campaign, DaShon Polk stepped in after Wong was injured and played all 16 games, starting 11, and posted 136 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles on the season. Linebackers With a transition to a 4-3 defense, the position of linebacker is certainly an area where change will be felt. No bigger change has occurred than at middle linebacker, where rookie DeMeco Ryans emerged as the starter during training camp. The 2005 Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year leads the Texans and all NFL rookies with 114 tackles, and his 97 solo tackles lead the league. Kailee Wong returned to the field in Week 7 against Jacksonville after beginning the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to a knee injury sustained last season. In 2005, Wong moved from outside linebacker to inside. Wong started the first five games of 2005, but a knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. In his four games he recorded 45 tackles, one sack, and a pass defensed. His experience both inside and outside will put him in position to compete for a role in the new defense. After being signed and released by the Texans multiple times in 2003 and 2004, Shantee Orr earned a starting job in Week 3 of 2005 and held it for the remainder of the season, setting the Texans all-time single-game sack record against Baltimore with three, and finishing second on the all-time list with seven sacks in a season. Orr s ability to explode and pursue make him a good fit in the new defense. In 2005, Orr contributed 47 tackles, seven sacks, four forced fumbles, and one pass defensed. With the addition of Ryans through the draft, Morlon Greenwood has moved from the 21 Defensive Coordinator Richard Smith talks to his unit Cornerbacks The cornerback position was beset by injuries early in training camp, with four players banged up, including Chris McKenzie, who has been placed on Injured Reserve. Third-year pro Dunta Robinson has been bothered by an ankle injury, but he expects to be on the field and ready to go by the start of the regular season. An aggressive defender who plays bigger than his size, extended the success of his rookie season, of 2004, through He has started all 42 games of his career with the Texans. Robinson has picked off two passes this season, and on 11/19, he scored the first touchdown of his career when he intercepted a pass at the Buffalo nine-yard line and took it into the end zone. In 2005, Robinson led the team in passes defensed with 21, picked off one pass, made one sack, and finished with a career-high 93 tackles. On the opposite side of the defense Demarcus Faggins is coming off his best season in 2005, when he registered career-high numbers with 53 tackles and 14 passes defensed, but he spent the first four games on the sideline with a fractured bone in his foot. Faggins made his return to the lineup in Week 7 against Jacksonville. At Oakland (12/3), Faggins scored his second career touchdown when he picked up a fumble and raced 58 yards for a touchdown. Ten-year

22 TEXANS DEFENSE/DEFENSIVE NOTES veteran Dexter McCleon was signed during training camp and will provide invaluable experience and leadership in a young secondary. McCleon started on the St. Louis Rams teams that won Super Bowl XXXIV and played in Super Bowl XXXVI. Third-year pro Dexter Wynn was signed on 11/1 to provide depth in the secondary and to serve as the team s primary kick returner. CB Von Hutchins was added to the roster on 11/14 to replace CB Lewis Sanders, who was placed on injured reserve with a broken hand. Safeties Entering his third season, SS Glenn Earl is the veteran starter in the secondary. Earl played in 10 games last season, starting the final seven, when he registered 51 tackles, two interceptions, and a career-high seven passes defensed. Next to Earl in the secondary, FS C.C. Brown returns after a rookie season where he started 13 games and led the secondary with 102 tackles. Brown also had one interception, four passes defensed, and one forced fumble. Together Brown and Earl have become a cohesive unit that will continue to improve. A Houston Texan since the first season, FS Jason Simmons has been utilized during his career at both safety positions as well as at corner in dime packages. He played in 14 games and started one during the 2005 season, finishing with 29 tackles, one sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and one pass defensed. Third-year pro Guss Scott adds depth at safety after being claimed off waivers from New England after the final round of roster cuts. After spending all of 2004 on Injured Reserve with a knee injury, Scott played in the first five games of 2005, starting two, before going back on IR. DeMECO S BIG DAY Rookie LB DeMeco Ryans turned in one of the most spectacular performances by any player in the National Football League last Sunday at Oakland. Ryans finished the day with 15 tackles (14 solos), his sixth double-digit tackle outing of the season, but that was only part of the story. The Texans second-round pick out of Alabama had a hand in three turnovers, finishing the day with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception. As if that weren t enough, Ryans also had three passes defensed, a sack (for an eight-yard loss), and a quarterback hurry. DeMeco Ryans vs. Oakland Tkl Ast Tot Sk Yds QH INT PD FF FR THE ALABAMA SLAMMA Through 12 games, rookie LB DeMeco Ryans has 114 total tackles, including 97 solo stops, based on press box statistics. Both totals lead the team and are tops among all rookie defenders. His 97 solo tackles are the most in the NFL, and his average of 9.5 tackles per game is second-best in the league. Ryans is also third on the team with 3.5 sacks. He has recorded 10 or more tackles in six games and has led or tied for the team lead in stops seven times. Ryans 13-tackle performance in his professional debut against Philadelphia (9/10) is tied for the best single-game performance by a rookie this season. He one-upped that showing in New York against the Jets (11/26), racking up 14 tackles (13 solos). Then he outdid himself again at Oakland (12/3), piling up 15 tackles (14 solos) and a sack for an eight-yard loss. The Texans second-round pick out of Alabama got the first solo sack of his career at Dallas (10/15) when he dropped Cowboys QB Drew Bledsoe for a nine-yard loss. Ryans led the team in tackles against Philadelphia (9/10), Miami (10/1), at Tennessee (10/29), against Buffalo (11/19), in New York against both the Giants (11/5) and the Jets (11/26), and at Oakland (12/3). Rookie Tackle Leaders, 2006 (Thru 12/3) Player, Tm. Gms. Tot. Solo Ast. Tkl/Gm Ryans, Hou Hawk, G.B Sims, Det Jackson, Cle Bethea, Ind Double-Digit Tackles, 2006 Rookies Player, Tm. Date Opp Tot. Solo Ast. Ryans, Hou. 12/3 Oak Hawk, GB 11/27 Sea Ryans, Hou. 11/26 NYJ Jackson, Cle. 11/26 Cin Ryans, Hou. 9/10 Phi Sims, Det. 12/3 NE Hawk, GB 11/12 Min Jackson, Cle. 12/3 KC Hawk, GB 11/19 NE Hawk, GB 10/22 Mia Bethea, Ind. 9/24 Jax Sims, Det. 11/23 Mia Ryans, Hou. 9/24 Was Sims, Det. 10/22 NYJ Ryans, Hou. 11/5 NYG Sims, Det. 9/10 Sea Jackson, Cle. 9/10 NO Ryans, Hou. 10/29 Ten BIG PLAY DUNTA CB Dunta Robinson continues to simply make plays on defense. Robinson has notched an interception, forced fumble or fumble recovery in three of his last four games. 22

23 DEFENSIVE NOTES/TEXANS SPECIAL TEAMS Robinson notched his first interception of the season at Jacksonville (11/12), then followed that up with another pick the following week against Buffalo (11/19). He returned his interception against the Bills nine yards for a touchdown, the first of his career. The following week at the New York Jets (11/26), Robinson forced a fumble, although the Jets recovered the loose ball. Last Sunday at Oakland, Robinson streaked into the Raiders backfield on Oakland s second possession and hit QB Aaron Brooks as he was throwing, knocking the ball loose. The play was originally ruled a fumble which was recovered by Houston, but the call was overturned upon review. SECONDARY TO NONE The Texans secondary has become a haven for playmakers recently. In addition to CB Dunta Robinson s exploits, the entire defensive backfield played a key role in Houston s victory over Oakland (12/3). On the Raiders opening drive of the game, FS C.C. Brown stripped Oakland RB ReShard Lee of the ball and CB Demarcus Faggins picked up the fumble and raced 58 yards down the sideline for the touchdown, giving Houston a 7-0 lead early. In the second quarter, CB Dexter McCleon picked off a wobbly pass from Raiders QB Aaron Brooks and returned the interception 19 yards. It was McCleon s first interception as a Texan and the 31st of his career. McCleon also forced a fumblein the fourth quarter that was recovered by LB DeMeco Ryans. In the fourth quarter, SS Glenn Earl got to Brooks in the backfield, sacking him for a 12- yard loss. It was Earl s second sack of the season and of his career. Texans Secondary vs. Oakland Player Tkl Ast Sk Yds QH INT PD FF FR Siimons Robinson Earl McCleon Brown Faggins WILLIAMS STACKING UP WELL The record for rookie defensive linemen drafted with the first pick is 6.5 sacks by DE Bruce Smith, the NFL s all-time sack leader, in Smith recorded a sack at Cleveland on 11/17 to push his season total to 4.5 sacks through 11 games the same as Williams. Defensive Linemen Drafted #1 Overall Sacks During Rookie Season Player Year Games Sacks Smith, Bruce Wilkinson, Dan Williams, Mario Maryland, Russell Brown, Courtney Emtman, Steve Sims, Kenneth What they re saying about Mario Williams Giants T Bob Whitfield "The son of a gun is almost inhuman out there for how big and thick and solid he is. And I caught it firsthand because I said to myself, `Don't give the young kid a sack.' But I don't call it a sack when he actually dislocates your whole left side of your body when he hit me. It was almost like he needed to have a penalty for tearing up an old man. I actually told him, `Slow it down, young fellow.' He's strong. He's big. He's got it. He's going to be a force to be reckoned with." Giants DE Michael Strahan He s a good player, he s big, he s strong, he s fast, and he s got all the tools that are going to be needed to him to be successful. But when I watched him play after he got that first sack in the Miami game I was watching when I was in Houston, all of a sudden this wrap came off. He was able to play a little bit looser; he was able to enjoy the game a little bit more without all that pressure that everybody s putting on him. Defensive end position, I know from experience, is not a running back. Everybody s talking about Reggie Bush, well you know you can put a running back into any offense and he can kind of make something happen. But as a defensive end, defensive lineman is not so easy and I applaud Mario for the way that he s handled it. When Houston selected DE Mario Williams with the first overall pick in last April s NFL Draft, he became the seventh defensive lineman to be selected with the top pick since Through 12 games, Williams 4.5 sacks leads the team and is already a Texans rookie sack record. That sack total also places Williams third among defensive linemen taken number one. 23 YOUTH MOVEMENT When he pulled his jersey over his head before the season opener against Philadelphia, DE Mario Williams became the youngest player to suit up for the Houston Texans. Williams was 21 years, 223 days old on opening day, 58 days younger than running back Tony Hollings was when he made his Texans debut in 2003.

24 DEFENSIVE NOTES/TEXANS SPECIAL TEAMS LB DeMeco Ryans, whose birthday fell on the first day of training camp, was the fifthyoungest player to debut for the Texans at 22 years, 45 days old. Williams was also the youngest starter in Texans history, while Ryans was the thirdyoungest, behind only WR Jabar Gaffney, who was 21 years, 282 days old when he made his pro debut. Williams was the youngest rookie starter in the NFL on opening day, and Ryans was the third-youngest. Only Detroit LB Ernie Sims sits between them, 38 days older than Williams. Overall, Williams is the ninth-youngest player in the NFL. AGE NAME POS HT WT DEBUT YRS DAY Williams, M.* DE /10/ Hollings, T. RB /7/ Gaffney, J.* WR /8/ Hill, C. DT /8/ Ryans, D.* LB /10/ McClain, J. LB /15/ Johnson, A.* WR /7/ Mathis, J. WR /2/ Robinson, D.* CB /12/ Brown, C.C.* SS /11/ * indicates players who started in their NFL debut. SPECIAL TEAMS line while giving up only one touchback all season. Both kickers were aided by solid coverage units, as well. The Texans surrendered just 21.7 yards per kickoff return, while the punt coverage unit gave up a paltry 6.6 yards per return, good for sixth-best in the NFL. The story of 2005 for the Texans, however, was the emergence of speedy kick return specialist Jerome Mathis. Mathis led the league with two kickoff returns for touchdowns the first two in Texans history. The achievement earned Mathis first-team All- Pro accolades and a trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, where he joined San Diego s Shawne Merriman as the only two rookies in the game. SPECIAL TEAMS BY POSITION Kicker Kris Brown remains the only kicker the Texans have ever known. The eighth-year kicker from Nebraska enters his fifth season in Houston as the club s all-time leading scorer with 339 points. He topped the 100-point mark for the first time as a Texan and the fourth time in his career last season, finishing with 102 points. Brown set Texans single-season records for field goals (26), attempts (34), longest field goal (53 yards), and points last year. Brown averaged putting his kickoffs inside the fiveyard line, and his 11 touchbacks were a career high. Joe Marciano Special Teams Coordinator : Special Teams Coordinator, Houston Texans : Special Teams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1995: Special Teams, New Orleans Saints : Special Teams/Tight Ends, New Orleans Saints : Special Teams/Tight Ends, Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars 1982: Special Teams/Tight Ends, Temple 1981: Tight Ends, Penn State 1980: Tight Ends, Villanova : Tight Ends, Rhode Island 1977: Tight Ends, East Stroudsburg State SPECIAL TEAMS OVERVIEW The special teams units were perhaps the brightest spot in an otherwise disappointing season in Kicker Kris Brown scored 102 points, topping the century mark for the first time in Texans history, and punter Chad Stanley excelled at pinning the opposition deep, landing 29 punts inside the opponents 20-yard 24 Punter Punter Chad Stanley saw his punting average dip under 40 yards per punt for the first time as a Texan last year, when he averaged 38.8 yards per kick. However, Stanley improved the hang time on his punts, allowing his coverage more time to get downfield. As a result, the Texans ranked sixth in the NFL in punt return average allowed, giving up just 6.6 yards per return. Stanley also ranked fourth in the league with 29 punts downed inside the opponents 20-yard line, and his one touchback was the lowest total in the league. Stanley also reached a personal milestone in the season finale at San Francisco when he played in the 100th game of his career. Punt Returner The Texans never settled on one particular punt returner in 2005, sending four players back to field the ball throughout the course of the season. CB Dexter Wynn was signed on 11/1 and immediately took over punt return duties. He helped seal a victory at Oakland (12/3) with a 58-yard punt return to set up K Kris Brown s game-winning field goal. Kickoff Returner 2005 All-Pro and Pro Bowl WR/KR Jerome Mathis returned to action in Week 12 at Oakland (12/3) and made his presence felt

25 SPECIAL TEAMS/PLAYER-BY-PLAYER INFO immediately. Mathis took his third return of the game back 87 yards to the Oakland three-yard line, setting up a touchdown. CB Dexter Wynn returned two kickoffs in his Texans debut at the New York Giants (11/5) after signing with the team on 11/1. WR Derrick Lewis and a pair of rookies WR David Anderson and RB Wali Lundy have also seen action at kick returner. A SPECIAL VICTORY The Texans special teams unit was a vital part of the team s win over the Oakland Raiders last Sunday (12/3). Special teams players either set up or directly accounted for all 16 second-half points in the Texans comefrom-behind win. WR Jerome Mathis set up the gametying touchdown with an 87-yard kickoff return to the Oakland three-yard line on the opening kick of the second half. CB Dexter Wynn followed that up in the fourth quarter with a 58- yard punt return that set up K Kris Brown s 42- yard field goal that proved to be the gamewinner. Brown nailed three field goals, all in the fourth quarter, to account for the final margin of victory. WELCOME BACK, JEROME After earning a trip to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2005, WR Jerome Mathis spent the first 11 games of his second season on the sideline while recovering from a broken ankle. Mathis made his return to the field last Sunday at Oakland (12/3) and quickly reminded everyone of why he is one of the most dangerous return men in the game. On the opening kickoff of the second half, Mathis fielded the ball at his own 10-yard line and raced 87 yards to the Oakland threeyard line. The return set up RB Wali Lundy s three-yard touchdown run on the next play to tie the game at 14 apiece. PLAYER BY PLAYER INFO Anderson, Charlie: Lettered in track and soccer born Charlie Alexander Anderson in Jackson, Miss. Anderson, David: Won the league MVP and the team MVP two years at Thousand Oaks High School (Calif.)...holds all major receiving records at Thousand Oaks earned school and conference academic honors with a 3.8 grade point average. Babin, Jason: First -round pick in 2004 Draft...Won the Michigan state title in wrestling.owns a 400-acre hunting ranch that has deer and zebras, to name a few animals. Bedell, Brad: Father, Derek, was involved with the Tournament of Roses for 32 years his 25 grandfather, Hilles, is a former president of that organization. Brown, C.C: Participated in the Home Run Derby at Minute Maid Park that benefited Houston Area Boys and Girls Clubs. Brown, Kris: Serves on the board of directors for the Lymphoma Leukemia Society also very active in the Pittsburgh community during his three seasons there assisted The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and Junior Achievement s Kickin for Kids program. Bruener, Mark: Board member of the Western PA Caring Foundation for Children cochariman of Hoge-Bruener-Ward Golf Classic and Caring Team conducted motivational speeches for Blue Cross/Blue Shield Highmark and served as spokesman for Multiple Sclerosis. Carr, David: Participated in ESPN.com s Jocks to GIs Direct Graced the cover of Sports Illustrated s 8/19/02 issue under the headline War For Texas. Cook, Jameel: Member of the Super Bowl XXXVII champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers lettered in baseball at Southridge High School in Miami. Dalton, Lional: Played the cello until the eighth grade when his focus shifted to football served as an intern for the Legacy Financial Group in Kansas City during the 2005 offseason. Daniels, Owen: Would like to pursue a career in weather forecasting after football has had appearances on local news stations doing weather while at Wisconsin. Dayne, Ron: Won the 1999 Heisman Trophy and is the NCAA s all-time leading rusher placed first in the shot put at the Penn Relays in 1996 and qualified for the Olympic Trials. Earl, Glenn: Involved with the Boys Club born in Southfield, Michigan and raised in Naperville, Illinois. Evans, Troy: Took children from Stovall Academy and a Houston-area women s shelter to Lunch with the Texans at Outback Steakhouse visited Smith Branch Library in Houston as part of Reliant Energy Power Readers Program. Faggins, Demarcus: Participated in Texans Blood Drive took part in Take a Texan to School Day at Carver High School in Houston. Gado, Samkon: Born in Nigeria learned the game of football from an American missionary family prior to moving to the United States in 1990 aspires to become a doctor and work as a medical missionary in Nigeria. Greenwood, Morlon: Didn t play football until his junior year after the assistant wrestling coach convinced him to try out state wrestling champion as a senior in the 215-pound class. Hodgdon, Drew: Majored in interdisciplinary studies at Arizona State won the Sun Devil Iron Man Award and the Cecil Abono Co- Captain Award.

26 Hutchins, Von: Had perfect attendance in high school at Cathedral High in Natchez, Miss. Jackson, Scott: Enrolled in the NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program at Northwestern University s Kellogg School of Management during the offseason. Johnson, Andre: Participated in Texans Blood Drive took children from Stovall Academy and a Houston-area women s shelter to Lunch with the Texans at Outback Steakhouse held his second-annual Andre Johnson Celebrity Weekend. Johnson, Thomas: Was active in the community in Dallas, working with the Salvation Army, Children s Medical Center Dallas, and Meals on Wheels earned his degree in education in 2004 from Middle Tennessee State. Kalu, N.D.: Nigeria is the home to Jonah Ndukwe Kalu, N.D. s grandfather, a legend in the town of Abiriba he was a renowned and respected businessman took a two-and-a-half week trip to Nigeria in 2003 and visited again in 2004 and Killings, Cedric: Participated in the Target Shopping spree for needy families that was set up by Renaldo and LaTanya Wynn s Family of Faith Foundation as well as the Redskins Charitable Foundation while playing in Washington. Leach, Vonta: Held the inaugural Vonta Leach Football Camp this past summer in his hometown of Rowland, North Carolina mentors children during the offseason at a Rowland youth center. Lewis, Derrick: Appeared on the cover of the Houston Chronicle s sports section on Father s Day with his five children and was honored as an outstanding father also an accomplished musician. Lundy, Wali: One of three players in Atlantic Coast Conference history to account for 50 touchdowns in a career (52; 43 rushing, 9 receiving) 52 total touchdowns set a school all-time record. Mathis, Jerome: Left high school as a six-time state champion in track, winning the 2001 national indoor 200-meter title at the Nike Classic fourth Texans Pro Bowl player. McCleon, Dexter: Won a Super Bowl ring with St. Louis in 1999 when he started at cornerback for the Rams World Championship squad. Also started on the Rams NFC Championship team in McKinney, Steve: Publisher of the Sports Edition Monthly, a sports and health magazine in Houston participated in Landolt Elementary Read Across America Program took group of children from Houston area women s center shelter holiday shopping as part of Texans and Palais Royal Shop with a Texan. Moulds, Eric: Needs 904 receiving yards to become the 26th member of the NFL s 10,000- yard club his 675 receptions ranks 25th in PLAYER INFO 26 NFL history selected to the 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2002 Pro Bowl. Orr, Shantee: Lettered in baseball and track, winning city discus title as a sophomore Detroit s Denby Tech Prep. Peek, Antwan: Part of NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle at Cossaboom YMCA set records for receiving yards and in track and field for the high jump at Woodword High School in Cincinnati. Pittman, Bryan: Speaker at Junior Player Development youth football camp at Delmar Stadium in Houston took children from a Houston-area women s center shelter on a holiday shopping spree for Palais Royal Shop with a Texan coaches kids in the annual Kicking Camp involved in special events with the children in Hockley, Texas. Pitts, Chester: Part of Take a Texan to School week at St. Cecilia School participant in Junior Player Development Program spent the morning as a teacher at Sherman Elementary as part of Teach For America. Polk, DaShon: Part of United Way Hometown Huddle second on the team with a personalbest 136 tackles in Putzier, Jeb: Mostly played wide receiver during his first three years at Boise State before switching to tight end for his senior year finished his collegiate career with 128 receptions for 2,050 yards, a 16.0 average, with 19 touchdowns. Robinson, Dunta: Texans first pick in 2004 draft...voted the Pro Football Weekly Defensive Rookie of the Year three-year starter at defensive back, running back and wide receiver at Clarke Central High School in Athens, GA.also lettered in basketball and track. Ryans, DeMeco: Named to The Tuscaloosa News Sweet Sixteen and The Birmingham Post- Herald Super Senior teams 2005 First-Team All-America (AP, Walter Camp, FWAA, AFCA, SI.com). Salaam, Ephraim: He and his mother, Dr. Malikah Salaam, head up the EMS Foundation, which helps underprivileged children further their education brother played on the defensive line for legendary coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling and his father was a basketball player at South Carolina. Simmons, Jason: Spoke to a group at the U.S. Veterans Medical Center read to students at Alief Library as part of Reliant Energy Power Readers Program took a group of children from a Houston-area women s shelter holiday shopping as part of Palais Royal s Shop with a Texan for the Holidays. Spencer, Charles: Defensive MVP of the Exceptional Senior All-Star Game...also a threeyear starter in basketball at Poughkeepsie High School...first-team All-Poughkeepsie Journal honoree in basketball...honor Roll student.

27 PLAYER INFO/TEXANS IN THE COMMUNITY Stanley, Chad: Played in Houston Texans Golf Tournament to benefit Houston Texans Foundation and five other local charities. Van Pelt, Bradlee: Son of five-time All Pro Brad Van Pelt, an All-America linebacker at Michigan State who later played in the NFL with the New York Giants ( ), Los Angeles Raiders ( ) and Cleveland Browns (1986) is actively involved with goodwill missions to military bases and USO tours. Walter, Kevin: Attended Libertyville (Ill.) High School, where he lettered three times in football and was named first-team all-state as a senior. Weary, Fred: Fed homeless men at Open Door Mission teamed up with Palais Royal as part of Shop with a Texan Day involved in Safe Kids Project to install fire alarms in Houstonarea homes. Weaver, Anthony: Has played guitar (both acoustic and electric) for 13 years, and has four guitars in his collection. Williams, Mario: Second Texans player selected number one overall in an NFL Draft (David Carr, 2002) shattered the previous NC State season-record of 21 with 27.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage in Winston, Eric: Team won three Texas Class 5A titles in four seasons at Midland Lee (Tex.) High School...played tight end and defensive end. Wong, Kailee: Awarded Kailee Wong Day on October 25 for NFC Continuing Education for work in Houston low income housing part of Texans Pep Rally at Methodist Hospital visited various local hospitals and also collected food during KTRK-13 s Share Your Holidays Food Drive. Wynn, Dexter: Underwent heart surgery following his senior year of high school to repair a heart murmur became the third person in his entire family to earn his college degree, joining his mother and his uncle. TEXANS IN THE COMMUNITY Training Camp Training Camp visits for Non Profit, Community and School Groups Local community groups attend practices during the Houston Texans Training Camp, at Reliant Stadium. Youth get a chance to see on-field practices, drills and workouts that players undergo during training camp. Interactive games are also set up for the children s enjoyment. Girls Get in the Game The Houston Texans will embark on a new initiative that will focus on active and athletic girls 9-14 years of age that have exhibited an interest in sports and may pursue careers in the sports industry. The program is called 27 Girls Get in the Game and will feature a one-day sports camp along with workshops on personal development. The program is coordinated by the Lady Texans, the player s wives association, the Player Development and Community Relations Departments. Texans TEAM Luncheon August 30 The Texans team and coaching staff will hold a special lunch with proceeds benefiting the Houston Texans Foundation. For ticket information, call or visit HoustonTexans.com. September Texans Party at Kemah September 3 Texans players, Cheerleaders, TORO and the Bull Pen Pep Band for a spirited Texans Week event at the Kemah Boardwalk. Activities include live music, interactive games and prize giveaways. Fiestas Patrias September 3 The Texans will be at Univision Radio s Fiestas Patrias Celebration, a great annual Hispanic event. Appearances by the Texans Cheerleaders, TORO and interactive games will make this event an unforgettable family experience. Gatorade Jr. Training Camp September 5 A Houston Independent School District school will be selected to have a Gatorade Jr. Training Camp visit their students. A football clinic will be conducted by the Texans and students will receive Texans items. Gridiron Glory: Sights & Sounds of the NFL September 7 The Texans, Houston Symphony and NFL Films present the first-ever event showcasing the nationally acclaimed NFL Films music performed by the Houston Symphony. All proceeds benefit charities. Go Texans! Day September 8 The city of Houston is encouraged to wear their Texans gear and colors to work, school or at home. Businesses are encouraged to decorate their offices with a Texans theme to celebrate the Texans season. HISD students will show off their Texans pride and compete to win Texans prizes including Cheerleader and TORO visits to their schools. Texans Tailgate 101 September 9 Fans will have an opportunity to win season tickets for the Texans 2006 season in the Spirit of the Bull challenge at Academy Sports & Outdoors at I-10 & Grand Parkway. The Academy Tailgating Camp will also include a special appearance by the Academy Cooking Team, tailgating tips, displays of tailgating products and visits by the Texans Cheerleaders, TORO and Bull Pen Pep Band.

28 COMMUNITY INFO/TEXANS THEMED GAMES Taste of Victory/Cheerleader Magazine Party September 9 The Taste of Victory/Cheerleader Magazine Preview Party, presented by Crown Royal, includes food sampling from all of your top Houston restaurants and an unveiling of the 2006 Texans Cheerleader Magazine. In addition, NFL Alumni will be available for autographs. Other activities include music, interactive games and a fun, tailgating atmosphere for all fans. Pancakes & Pigskins Rookie Breakfast September 12 Texans Rookies will make their debut and be introduced at this breakfast. The Texans Cheerleaders will perform while SportsRadio 610 broadcasts live. Funds raised will benefit the Houston Texans Foundation and Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas. Take a Texan to School Day September 12 All students have an opportunity to win a chance to bring a Texans player to their classrooms. Students must submit an essay about the Houston Texans, and ten lucky winners will be selected. Visit HoustonTexans.com or check the Houston Chronicle for information on how to register. Take a Texan to School is presented by the Houston Chronicle and 3-A-Day Dairy. Houston Texans Day at the Houston Club September 12 The Houston Texans are honored at an annual luncheon, coordinated by the Houston Club. The luncheon features Houston Texans Owner Robert McNair, General Manager Rick Smith, Vice President of Communications Tony Wyllie and several Houston Texans players. The event occurs during Texans Week, which is held prior to the first NFL game of the season. Hospital locations. Houston Texans players, cheerleaders and mascot TORO are on hand to thank donors for their participation. Teach for America Week Teach for America Week provides an opportunity for corporate leaders to come into classrooms across America, to inform students about various professions. Each year, a Houston Texans player or corporate executive, spends time with students at a designated school in Houston. Teach for America is sponsored by Americorp and is a nationwide event. NFL/Hometown Huddle This event is sponsored by all 32 NFL teams on a designated day and involves players participating in a community service activity with a United Way Agency. Last year, players and United Way staffers created a Texans room at Sheltering Arms Senior Service Center. Through a $5,000 grant from the NFL, stadium seating chairs, a flat screen television and a DVD/CD system were purchased for the room. Additionally, framed Texans photos and posters were also placed on the walls of the room. November Pre-Thanksgiving Activity Several Houston Texans players either serve a traditional thanksgiving dinner to youth or adults at a local facility or distribute turkeys to families in need. December Shop with the Texans A shopping spree is coordinated during the Christmas holidays for disadvantaged children. Houston Texans players help them shop for their holiday purchases. In 2005 Academy Sports and Outdoors provided $100 gift certificates to 25 youth from local shelters. HISD Poster Contest In an effort to promote cultural awareness through art, the Houston Texans along with Aramark, are sponsors of the HISD Poster Contest. Throughout the year students from HISD middle school art magnet programs participate in the program. The young artists are required to create posters that incorporate various influences from the Asian/Pacific, Black, Hispanic and American Cultures. The contests will take place, in September, November, February and May. October Houston Texans Blood Drive The Houston Texans along with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, The Methodist Hospital and Reliant Energy, coordinate an annual blood drive that benefits local hospitals and health facilities in Houston. The 12- hour event is held at Reliant Stadium and several Methodist 28 Holiday Lunch with the Texans Underprivileged youth are treated to a holiday lunch with Houston Texans players, cheerleaders and mascot TORO, at a local restaurant. In 2005, 10 players and 30 teens from a residential youth facility were treated to an exotic lunch at Amazon Grill in southwest Houston. TEXANS THEMED GAMES PRESEASON GAMES Saturday, August 12 Texans vs. Chiefs Salute to Space City The Houston Texans and NASA will blast off the season by saluting our space history. Special NASA missions will be honored and recognized throughout the game.

29 Thursday, August 31 Texans vs. Buccaneers State of Football The Texans will celebrate youth football by recognizing youth programs, players and coaches throughout the game. Hundreds of youth football players will be on the field for the National Anthem and halftime will feature a Houston-area youth football team playing a game against TORO and other NFL mascots. REGULAR SEASON GAMES THEMED GAMES/NFL NEWS Sunday, September 10 Texans vs. Eagles Liberty White Kickoff The Texans will wear their white jerseys and all fans are encouraged to wear your Liberty White gear as we continue the football tradition of Tailgating, an electrifying gameday atmosphere and celebration of the NFL season. In addition, Reliant Energy will be giving all fans in attendance a Texans Power Towel. Sunday, September 24 Texans vs. Redskins Salute to the Military The Texans will recognize the great men and women who serve our country in the US armed forces. Included in this salute will be a special pregame ceremony and a halftime presentation by the US Marines Silent Drill Platoon. Sunday, October 8 Texans vs. Dolphins Hispanic Heritage Day The Texans will celebrate Houston s Hispanic heritage during the game by honoring and recognizing the heritage of Houston s Hispanic community. Hispanic traditions and customs will also be incorporated throughout the game. Sunday, October 22 Texans vs. Jaguars Battle Red Day The Texans will once again turn Reliant Stadium RED during Battle Red Day with the players, Cheerleaders, TORO and Bull Pen Pep Band all dressed in red. Wear your red jerseys and Texans gear and cheer on the Texans. Sunday, November 19 Texans vs. Bills Homecoming Homecoming is a tribute to the rich football history in the state of Texas. The Texans rejoice in the time-honored tradition by recognizing NFL gridiron greats. Sunday, December 10 Texans vs. Titans T-N-T Rivalry The Texans-N-Titans Rivalry is here as we celebrate the match-up of our AFC rival. In addition, the Texans will honor a distinguished Texas Legend during the game. Past honorees include ZZ Top, Roger Clemens and Nolan Ryan. Sunday, December 24 Texans vs. Colts Holiday Spirit 29 Celebrate the Holiday with the Texans as we take on the Indianapolis Colts on Christmas Eve. Special Holiday surprises will be planned throughout the game. Sunday, December 31 Texans vs. Browns Fan Appreciation Day To thank the fans of Houston, the Texans will provide special prize giveaways throughout the game. In addition, a special postgame party will be held in Budweiser Plaza and all children in attendance will have an opportunity to catch a touchdown pass on the field at Reliant Stadium. NFL NEWS WEEK 15 FLEX SCHEDULING: CHIEFS-CHARGERS TO BE NBC SUNDAY NIGHT GAME ON DEC. 17 The Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers game on Sunday, December 17 will be played at 8:15 PM ET on NBC, the NFL announced today. The NFL is implementing for the first time this year a flexible scheduling element on Sundays in Weeks and in Week 17. Flexible scheduling will ensure quality matchups in all NFL Sunday time slots in those weeks and give teams a chance to play their way onto primetime and into the late-afternoon 4:15 PM ET time slot on CBS and FOX. For each of the flexible scheduling weeks with the exception of Week 17, the NFL will announce the start times of games on Sundays no later than 12 days prior to that weekend. To ensure a Sunday night game and doubleheader games with playoff implications in Week 17, the flexible scheduling decision for that Sunday may be made on six days notice. The flex schedule games for this Sunday (Dec. 10) are New Orleans at Dallas on NBC at 8:15 PM ET and Buffalo at New York Jets on CBS at 4:15 PM ET.

30 NFL IMPORTANT DATES 2006 Aug First full preseason weekend Aug. 29 Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players Sept. 2 Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players Sept. 3 Clubs may establish practice squad of eight players Sept Kickoff 2006 Oct. 17 Trading deadline Oct NFL Fall Meeting (New Orleans, Louisiana) Dec Regular season ends 2007 NFL IMPORTANT DATES Jan. 6-7 Jan Jan. 21 Feb. 4 Feb. 10 Wild Card Playoffs Divisional Playoffs Conference Championships Super Bowl XLI, South Florida (CBS) AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu, Hawaii (CBS) CB Dexter McCleon got his 31st career interception on Sunday at Oakland. 30