Houston Texans: The 2011 season outcome had Matt Schaub been healthy

Week 15 – December 18, 2011 – Carolina Panthers @ Houston Texans

Actual Score: Carolina 28, Houston 13

Simulated Score: Houston 20, Carolina 13

It’s a tight ballgame throughout, but Houston has enough to win and go to 11-3. Schaub (17-26, 234 yds, 1 TD) outplays Cam Newton (7-8, 50 yds) including a 30-yard pass to Jones for a touchdown. Foster also tallies a TD run of his own while Rackers makes two field goals. Jacoby Jones caught three passes for 65 yards and a TD reception. Defensively, Kareem Jackson goes all out with seven tackles while Cushing is able to sack Newton.

After field goals in the first quarter by both teams, Houston manages 17 points in the second quarter while holding the Panthers to seven. Halftime sees the Texans up 20-10 before a scoreless third quarter. Although the Panthers cut the lead to seven with a field goal, Houston is able to put together a drive to run out the clock and preserve another win.

Scoring

1st Quarter

HOU – 7:03 FG Neil Rackers 23 yds (3-0 HOU)

CAR – 1:23 FG Olindo Mare 23 yds (3-3)

2nd Quarter

HOU – 10:00 FG Jacoby Jones 30 pass from Schaub (10-3 HOU)

CAR – 6:21 TD DeAngelo Williams 3 yd run (10-10)

HOU – 2:13 TD Arian Foster 16 yd run (17-10 HOU)

HOU – 0:00 FG Neil Rackers 44 yds (20-10 HOU)

4th Quarter

CAR – 4:49 FG Olindo Mare 31 yds (20-13 HOU)

Instead of 10-4, Houston is now 11-3 as they travel to take on the Indianapolis Colts in Indy.