National Football League

Jobs only thing on line for Broncos, Texans

Published Dec. 26, 2010 12:02 a.m. ET

foxsports

For two reeling teams with nothing at stake, there's certainly plenty riding on the final two games.

First and foremost, the futures of Houston's Gary Kubiak and Denver's interim coach Eric Studesville.

Both are eager to make lasting impressions before heading into the offseason after disappointing years.

Texans running back Arian Foster also is trying to secure a rushing crown, while rookie quarterback Tim Tebow wants to show he can handle a more advanced game plan that doesn't call for max protection and mostly safe passes to the outside.

So, there's an abundance of plot lines even if there's no postseason on the line Sunday when the Broncos (3-11) host the Texans (5-9).

''We're all playing for our job,'' Texans quarterback Matt Schaub said. ''Every time we go out there, we're being watched and we're being critiqued and viewed as what we put on the field. All of us are playing for our jobs, for our careers. We're playing for our coaches. We're playing for ourselves in this locker room. We have a lot to play for.''

Kubiak remains on the hot seat after Houston's late-season stumble. Losers of seven of their last eight, the Texans will sit out of the playoffs for a ninth straight year.

They had such high aspirations, too, after narrowly missing the playoffs last season.

Houston started 4-2 this season, but never got back on track following the bye week.

Now, speculation is swirling over Kubiak's future tenure with the Texans. Bill Cowher's name has recently surfaced, if the Texans and Kubiak were to part ways after the season.

Kubiak doesn't concern himself with those rumors and reports, simply comes with the territory after a trying season.

''It's been a struggle, and if you're coaching in this business you know there are going to be good times and tough times when you sign up,'' said Kubiak, who's in his fifth season in Houston. ''If this is something you're going to do for a living, that's something you learn to live with.''

Kubiak's name has been linked to rumors as well. If Kubiak was jettisoned by the Texans, the rumor mill has it he might become a candidate to replace Josh McDaniels, who was fired Dec. 6 with the Broncos mired in a slump on the field and controversy off it.

Heard that one?

''My hands are so damn full right now. To listen to rumors or to even sit down and even think about them, I'm trying to figure out a way to have a good practice and come to Denver and play good football,'' said Kubiak, who spent 20 seasons in the Broncos organization as a player and a coach.

Promoted from running backs coach after McDaniels was fired, Studesville is relishing his new role as interim coach.

Long days and little sleep have been the norm, but he doesn't mind.

And he certainly doesn't regret stepping into the job, even if his team is 0-2 since he took over and has been outscored 82-36 by Arizona and Oakland.

This is a four-week audition for him, to see what he can do in charge. He's said all the right things, pulled all the right strings, despite inheriting a beat-up roster from McDaniels.

''This has been a fabulous opportunity,'' Studesville said. ''I love doing this and as long as they're going to let me do it, I'm going to keep doing it.''

The Broncos have elected to go with Tebow for the remainder of the season, parking starter Kyle Orton on the sideline.

Orton was less than thrilled with the decision, especially since he was in the midst of his most prolific passing season of his career.

Tebow provided some offensive energy in his first start last weekend in Oakland, the team gathering around their spirited quarterback. He was solid under center as he threw for 138 yards and rushed for 78 more, including a 40-yard TD scamper on a missed assignment.

''I felt pretty comfortable out there,'' Tebow said.

The leader in him simply came out, just like it did when he was a star at Florida.

Asked what makes him a good leader, Tebow chuckled, then turned serious.

''The first part about being a leader is that you know where you're trying to go. If you're going to do whatever it takes to get there, and you love doing it and you're enthusiastic about doing it, I think other people want to be involved with that,'' Tebow said. ''I think other people want to be excited and want to love it and be as passionate about it.''

Foster has his sights set on a rushing crown, leading the league with 1,345 yards. With two weeks left, Foster leads Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew by 21 yards and Kansas City's Jamaal Charles by 42.

''I think every running back would want one under his belt at least once in his career,'' Foster said. ''If I get it, I get it. And if I don't, I don't. It's been a good run this year.''

Less so from a wins standpoint.

''It is a tough pill to swallow knowing we can play with the elite teams in this league, but we keep shooting ourselves in the foot,'' Foster said. ''That's life. You win some. You lose some.''