Texans coach Gary Kubiak has high expectations for his team this season. (John Amis / Associated Press)

The Texans finished 2008 with an 8-8 record for the second consecutive year. But coach Gary Kubiak told the Houston Chronicle that being average is no longer an option:

“We have high expectations. We’re a better team than any time since I’ve been here. We’re not going to be satisfied with another (8-8 record). I want more, a lot more. The players do, too.

“I’m looking forward to the journey because I like the guys I’m taking it with. We have tremendous character on this team.

“The biggest progress we made last year was on offense (third in yards, 17th in scoring), but we still need to get better. This season, we have to get our defense caught up with our offense.”

Other stories from around the Web on this fine Friday morning:

• Eli Manning is looking to cash in, but the quarterback may have to wait for an extension from the Giants.

• For better or worse, Eagles QB Donovan McNabb and coach Andy Reid are connected through thick and thin.

• The return of Giants DE Osi Umenyiora gives a big boost to the team’s defense.

• The Jaguars are looking to avoid a holdout with first-round pick Eugene Monroe.

• Titans MLB Stephen Tulloch has no intention of giving up the starting job he won last year.

• Bears CB Charles Tillman thinks he will be healthy for training camp while still recovering from shoulder surgery. Well, at least he hopes so.

• The Chargers are once again considering Oceanside for a possible stadium site.

• Lions QB Matthew Stafford wants the starting job. That might not happen, but he does have girl-approved hair.