Texans rookie defensive end J.J. Watt celebrates after a play against the Ravens. (credit: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
It was a thrilling ride. The Texans overcame obstacle after obstacle on the way to the threshold of the AFC Championship game. They just couldn’t get that final push to keep their greatest season alive, falling at Baltimore, 20-13.
On a day when their defense would show the world how good they really are, a turnover virus hit hard with three picks and a muffed punt putting the brakes on the Houston attack.
The day began well enough with a Danieal Manning 60 yard kickoff return, a field goal and a three and out on D. But Jacoby Jones mishandled a punt and before you knew it, the Texans were down 7-3.
T.J. Yates will always have a special spot in Texans history for his valiant play as a third string quarterback assigned with leading a success-starved franchise into the playoffs. But the script turned on him with his interceptions and missed throws against one of the most terrifying and effective defenses over the last decade.
The Texans defense made stop after stop, sacking Joe Flacco five times and coming up with a goal line stand in the thrid quarter. But they could only do so much and were never fortuitous enough to get a game-changing turnover.
The Texans will remember this moment. The pain of a post season loss is far greater than any the team and its fans have experienced to date. To have an appointment with the Patriots in the palms of their hands but not be able to close the deal is excruciating.
But Houston will build on this. The future is bright. The pain will fade and the promise of the 2012 season will fill the air with new expectations. No two seasons are the same and we will forever remember this group for their passion and resiliency.
History has been made. We will long appreciate the 2011 Texans.
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