What Is 2011 Houston Texans football team

Overview

The 2011 season marked a historic turning point for the Houston Texans, as they achieved their first winning season and playoff qualification since the franchise's inception in 2002. Under head coach Gary Kubiak, the team finished with a 10-6 record, capturing the AFC South title and ending years of near-misses and rebuilding efforts.

This breakthrough season was fueled by a balanced offense and a developing defense anchored by rookie sensation J.J. Watt. The Texans demonstrated resilience, particularly in close games, and established themselves as a legitimate playoff contender in the AFC for the first time.

• First playoff berth: After nine seasons without a postseason appearance, the Texans qualified for the playoffs in 2011, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 31-10 in the Wild Card round.
• Division champions: They won the AFC South with a 10-6 record, edging out the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts in a tightly contested division.
• Home dominance: The Texans went a strong 7-1 at Reliant Stadium, including key wins over division rivals and playoff-caliber teams like the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Offensive leadership: Quarterback Matt Schaub led the passing game with 3,046 yards and 17 touchdowns, while Arian Foster rushed for 1,040 yards despite missing two games.
• Defensive emergence: Rookie J.J. Watt made an immediate impact with 5.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 10 passes defended, foreshadowing his future dominance.

How It Works

The 2011 Texans' success stemmed from a combination of strategic coaching, player development, and timely performances across both units. Their system emphasized ball control, defensive pressure, and minimizing turnovers, which proved effective in tight games.

• Offensive scheme: The Texans utilized a West Coast offense with play-action elements, allowing Matt Schaub to efficiently distribute the ball and sustain drives.
• Running game: Arian Foster’s 4.3 yards per carry average and 1,040 rushing yards provided balance and kept defenses honest throughout the season.
• Defensive line rotation: The team rotated multiple linemen to maintain pressure, with J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith combining for 13.5 sacks.
• Turnover margin: Houston finished with a +6 turnover margin, a key factor in their close victories and overall success.
• Special teams: Punter Shane Lechler led the league in net punting average (39.8 yards), providing strong field position consistently.
• Coaching adjustments: Gary Kubiak’s mid-season offensive tweaks helped stabilize the passing game and improve red zone efficiency.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2011 Texans represented a significant leap from previous seasons, outperforming earlier iterations in wins, playoff success, and team metrics.

This table illustrates the Texans' rise and fall over five seasons. The 2011 campaign was the catalyst for sustained competitiveness, directly leading to a 12-4 record in 2012. However, the 2013 collapse highlighted the fragility of the roster’s depth and injury vulnerability.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was a foundational moment for the Houston Texans franchise, proving they could compete at a high level and reach the postseason. It shifted fan expectations and established a culture of winning that persisted for several seasons.

• Franchise milestone: It marked the first time the Texans advanced past the regular season, validating years of draft investment and roster development.
• Player legacy: J.J. Watt’s rookie season laid the groundwork for his rise to Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 and 2014.
• Regional impact: Success in 2011 boosted attendance and TV ratings, increasing the team’s popularity across Texas.
• Playoff blueprint: The team’s formula of strong defense and balanced offense became a model for future seasons.
• Coaching validation: Gary Kubiak earned Coach of the Year consideration, silencing critics who questioned his leadership.
• Future implications: The 2011 success led to long-term contracts for key players and increased front-office confidence in building through the draft.

Ultimately, the 2011 Houston Texans redefined what was possible for the franchise, transforming from perennial underdogs into legitimate AFC contenders and setting the stage for sustained success in the early 2010s.