by The Houston Chronicle

After three games, the Texans were 1-2. They allowed 28.7 points a game. They surrendered 437.7 yards, including 205 against the run. They were on a pace to allow more yards and more yards rushing than any defense in history.

Fans and media insisted Bush was in over his head, just another coach Gary Kubiak hired because of his Denver Broncos background.

Kubiak and Bush admitted they were terrible, but they also said they knew the reasons - four big plays caused by players being out of position. The key, then, wasn't to change the strategy but to change the players.

?Anything it takes'

Over the last five games, the Texans have reduced their run defense from 205 yards a game to 113.3. The defense has gone from 32nd to 16th. They lead the league in forcing three-and-outs with 35. They've forced 14 turnovers, which is fifth in the NFL.

"You don't see guys lying down," said middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans. "We fight, scratch and claw - do anything it takes."

During that five-game period, the Texans have given up 260.4 yards, ranking fourth in the NFL. The 58.2 rushing yards a game ranks first.

Kubiak was asked this week what he's happiest about over the first half of the season. He didn't hesitate before answering.

"The improvement of our defense," he said. "They've improved every week after we had three pretty rough games to start the season. Since then, we've just continued to improve as a group - tackling, getting turnovers, not giving up big plays. That's been the key to where we are right now."

The defensive improvement is amazing considering the Texans still don't have a pass rush. They've recorded only 11 sacks. Only two teams have fewer.

But the Texans are getting enough pressure on the quarterback to disrupt his timing with his receivers.

The Texans have their most physical defense. They've found an intensity that had been missing.

The defensive renaissance began when they put Bernard Pollard at strong safety for the fourth game against Oakland.

"We're mean," Pollard said. "Giving up yards is being nice. If we come out and hit them and continue to hit them and continue to take the ball away, you're going to see big things happening with this defense and with this team.

"We're not going to shy away from anything."

Ryans, the captain, is having his best season. Outside linebacker Brian Cushing might be the best defensive rookie in the league. Like Pollard, Cushing is a ferocious hitter.

Bill Kollar, the assistant head coach/defensive line, moved his players around until he found the right combination. They've become quicker and more aggressive up the middle.

Assistant coach David Gibbs' secondary has gotten better. Free safety Eugene Wilson is the most improved player on the defense. Wilson and Pollard give them a productive one-two punch at safety.

Biggest test to come

Cornerback Dunta Robinson needed to play himself into shape after missing the offseason program and preseason. He and rookie cornerback Glover Quin are physical against the run.

Cornerback Jacques Reeves wasn't forced back into the lineup, and he's been making big plays from his nickel spot.

The defense has its toughest test coming up - a trip to Indianapolis, where the Texans have never won. To have a prayer of pulling a stunning upset, the defensive players must attack like raging bulls.

John McClain can be heard on 610 AM on Monday at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. and Friday at 4:30 p.m. john.mcclain@chron.com

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