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

Week 17 – January 1, 2012 – Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans

Or is it meaningless? The Texans would still be fighting for the top seed in the AFC by this point. They could easily play Matt Schaub and try to secure the top spot. But knowing the Texans, they probably would’ve just decided to play it safe and start Matt Leinart instead. So now we’re thinking a loss, right? Well…

Actual Score: Tennessee 23, Houston 22

Simulated Score: Houston 31, Tennessee 6

No, Arian Foster would carry the team. It was clear that Foster would need to get the ball and prepare for a playoff run. He scored three touchdowns on a 154-yard performance on 26 carries. Both Leinart and TJ Yates did get a chance to play even though neither threw over100 yards. It didn’t matter as Houston was able to get the win and go 12-4.

Scoring

1st Quarter

HOU – 8:37 TD Arian Foster 6 yd run (7-0 HOU)

2nd Quarter

HOU – 14:05 TD Arian Foster 12 yd run (14-0 HOU)

TEN – 7:43 FG Rob Bironas 23 yds (14-3 HOU)

TEN – 0:25 FG Rob Bironas 21 yds (14-6 HOU)

3rd Quarter

HOU – 3:08 TD Arian Foster 14 yds (21-6 HOU)

4th Quarter

HOU – 7:04 TD Derrick Ward 6 yd run (28-6 HOU)

HOU – 2:00 FG Neil Rackers 49 yds (31-6 HOU)

With a 12-4 record, Houston ends up tied for second with Baltimore. However, the Ravens have the edge since they defeated the Texans earlier in the season. Therefore, nothing changes as far as the standings and the Texans play host to Cincinnati in their first-ever playoff game.

We’re going to replay the playoffs now to see if anything would’ve changed if Schaub had been starting.