Texans Gab

The Texans made a move Friday in free agency, as they have agreed to terms with 41-year-old punter Matt Turk. The punter joined the team in 2007. He entered the league way back in 1995.

Cornerback Dunta Robinson is bidding the Texans farewell, declaring himself a free agent. Robinson disclosed his plans Wednesday in e-mail to KRIV-TV of Houston and the Houston Chronicle. The Texans’ first-round draft pick in 2004 out of South Carolina (10th overall) is the team’s career leader in interceptions with 13.

In his e-mail, he wrote that his departure is unsurprising “when you are dealing with a tough business like the NFL.” He thanked Texans management and the city of Houston for their support. In return, general manager Rick Smith expressed appreciation his contributions. Robinson had played under a “franchise player” contract last season that paid him almost $10 million. Smith said the decision not to do so again for 2010 was a tough one.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that the Texans coin flip for the 19th pick with Atlanta will take place tomorrow at the combine:

Texans find out Friday when they have a coin flip with Falcons who has the 19th pick. They’ll be looking at CBs and RBs right off the bat

A little Texans intro video to get you already thinking bout 2010!

The Chronicle says you can pretty much forget the Texans going after just released LaDainian Tomlinson:

As they do with every player, the Texans have done their homework on veteran NFL running backs, including LaDainian Tomlinson, who was waived by San Diego today. The Texans need a running back, but they want young and hungry, not a back looking for one last contract. Two weeks ago, owner Bob McNair said the Texans look at free agents who are on their way up which rules out Tomlinson.

The Texans official site reports that running back Steve Slaton will not take part in any contact drills at OTA’s:

Last week, Texans coach Gary Kubiak went on the air for a lengthy interview with Barry Warner and Brad Davies of SportsRadio 610 AM and was asked about the current situation regarding running back Steve Slaton. “He’s doing good, guys. They performed surgery on him,” Kubiak said. “There was a time where they didn’t think they’d have to, but they went ahead and did some work. I wish I could describe exactly what they did, but he will be in OTAs, he’ll be in all the offseason work. He will not be able to be a part of any contact and should be cleared for training camp, so all systems are go. There shouldn’t be anything holding him back as long as he recovers correctly.”

Pro Football Talk.com reports that the neck surgery that Steve Slaton had will take about 4 to 6 months to recover from:

The neck surgery Steve Slaton underwent after the season will take 4-6 months to recover from, according to coach Gary Kubiak.

Slaton underwent a discectomy to relieve pressure on the nerve root that was causing a problem in his spine. We’re not medical experts, but that sounds awfully scary. It’s another reason to think the Texans are going to stock up at running back this offseason.

The West Virginia product will avoid contact until training camp as he recovers from the injury. We wish Slaton the best on his road back, but this news makes it more apparent than ever he’s going to have to battle to keep his starting job.

The extension for Texans head coach Gary Kubiak has become official, as the team has officially announced that he will remain the teams head coach through the 2012 season. The Texans went 9-7 in 2009, the franchise’s first winning record. Houston is 31-33 in Kubiak’s four seasons, though the team is still seeking its first playoff berth.

The 48-year-old Kubiak took over the Texans in January 2006 after the team finished 2-14. His original contract was due to expire after the 2010 season.

Owner Bob McNair says he’s disappointed that the team missed the playoffs again last year. But he says the team showed “a lot of progress” and he wanted to maintain continuity by keeping Kubiak in charge.

Yahoo Sports has a breakdown of what all 32 teams need in the upcoming NFL Draft in April. Below are the AFC South teams with a link to the whole article.

AFC SOUTH

COLTS

Needs: Not much, despite Super Bowl flop. Continued development of OL; another sturdy LB; decision on PKs Vinatieri and Stover.

Strengths: Peyton Manning-led offense, bolstered by young receivers; aggressive and deep secondary; excellent coaching staff.

TEXANS

Needs: Running back to complement Steve Slaton; inside pass rusher to help Mario Williams.

Strengths: DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing are developing into one of best linebacker combinations in league; passing game when Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson both are healthy.

TITANS

Needs: Restock talent on defense; do they keep DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and OLB Keith Bulluck?

Strengths: Running game thanks to Chris Johnson and offensive line that should return nearly intact.

JAGUARS

Needs: More pass rush after finishing with league-low 14 sacks.

Strengths: RB Maurice Jones-Drew and WR Mike Sims-Walker have given offense more big-play ability.

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1. Where was the first Super Bowl Played between the Packers and Chiefs?

2. Who scored the first touchdown in Super Bowl history?

3. Who is the leading lifetime rusher in Super Bowl history?

4. What team has won the most Super Bowls with 6?

5. Who is the youngest head coach to have ever won a Super Bowl?

6. What wide out caught the game winning TD with less than a minute to go in Super Bowl XXIII?

7. What kicker missed the game-winning field goal in the final seconds of Super Bowl XXV?

8. Where was Super Bowl XX held?

9. Name the four current Franchises that have never been to a Super Bowl

10. Who was the MVP of Super Bowl XVI?

11. What was odd about the first points scored in Super Bowl IX?

12. Where was last years Super Bowl (XLIII) held?

13. Name the four coaches to have lost four Super Bowls

14. What Falcon took back a kickoff for a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXIII?

15. What Colt kicker hit the game-winning kick in Super Bowl V vs Dallas?

16. Who was the MVP of Super Bowl XIV?

17. How many touchdowns did Steve Young throw in Super Bowl XXIX?

18. Who was the coach of the Colts when they lost to the Jets in SB III?

19. Who sang the National Anthem at last years Super Bowl (XLIII)?

20. What WR came up a yard short of the game-tying TD on the final play of Super Bowl XXXIV?