The Broncos game against the Houston Texans on Monday night will be full of reunions. Texans players Brock Osweiler, Antonio Smith and Chris Clark return to their old stomping grounds in Denver. Broncos coach Gary Kubiak and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips are among eight coaches that spent time with the Texans. Denver’s Jared Crick, Shiloh Keo and James Ferentz played in Houston.

ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” analyst Jon Gruden shared a few of his thoughts with The Denver Post about the Broncos and the emotion that’s expected from both sides in this game.

It’s no secret that the Broncos’ defense is the heart of the team. Outside linebacker Von Miller might be the NFL’s best defensive player. Derek Wolfe and Shane Ray also add to a pass rush that leads the NFL in sacks. But the personality of the team, on and off the field, often comes from the secondary.

“Chris Harris is the most underrated player in the league. He and Talib are a great duo,” Gruden said. “There’s a commitment to playing sticky, bump-and-run man coverage out there. And it’s worked out great.”

Gruden drafted and coached Talib during his rookie season in Tampa Bay (2008). He raved about Talib’s physicality, length and instincts.

The evidence is in the numbers as the Broncos have the No. 1-ranked passing defense in the NFL for the second consecutive season.

Gruden said this game likely will be decided by which offensive line handles pressure the best. He pointed to Miller vs. Texans right tackle Derek Newton as a key matchup.

As far as the emotions, Gruden recalled his own mixed feelings when facing his former team.

“I remember getting traded by Oakland and it bothered me,” Gruden said. “You want to go out and kick their butts if you can.

“We (Tampa Bay) played in the Super Bowl vs. the Raiders. It was hard in pregame and you spend some time during the week reminiscing on memories, and it’s hard to ignore the talk. But once the game begins it’s all football.”

Kubiak, who was fired by the Texans in 2013, has been steadfast in saying the Broncos’ main focus is on winning the game rather than any feelings of revenge.