Denver ? Chalk this one up to mentor Mike Shanahan and a Broncos defense that befuddled Gary Kubiak’s offense in his first trip back to Denver as a head coach.

The Broncos beat Houston 17-14 Sunday night, spoiling the return of the Texans’ first-year coach who spent nearly two decades in Denver, first as John Elway’s backup and then as offensive coordinator.

Tatum Bell scored from a yard out and Cedric Cobbs followed a big block from right tackle Adam Meadows for a 26-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, further muddying Ron Dayne’s chances of making the Broncos after opening camp as the starting tailback.

Denver’s biggest offseason acquisition, Javon Walker, caught three passes for 41 yards.