It's not quite Anakin Skywalker facing off against Obi-Wan Kenobi in a lightsaber duel, but one of the NFL's more intriguing mentor/protege relationships will be on the prime-time stage Thursday.
When the Texans head to New England for a Week 3 tussle with the Patriots, Houston coach Bill O'Brien will face his old boss Bill Belichick for the second time in three seasons since becoming the Texans' leader.
A quick refresher: O'Brien served in four different roles with the Patriots from 2007-11. He first held the nebulous title of offensive assistant (2007) before coaching the wide receivers (2008), quarterbacks (2009-10) and then adding offensive coordinator duties in 2011.