Thank You, Intangibles

The writers of BRB have given us some exquisitely crafted letters of thanks to the whole Houston Texans team, inspiring me to put fingers to keyboard to pound out my own heartfelt thanks, reminiscing about some of the things that made this 2011 Texans' season simply so enjoyable. There are so many intangibles to appreciate, so stay with me here for a few moments and join me in saying "Thank You!"

But first, let's do something that has been long overdue. Let's complete the exorcism of the evil past. In previous years as a Texans fan, we have been beaten down like a child toying with ants, as we, as fans, witnessed and took part in a seemingly endless and absolutely horrendous series of events on the field of play. Who could ever forget Travis Johnson taunting an unconscious Trent Green; Dunta Robinson wearing his 'Pay Me Rick' shoes, Chris Brown's Halfback interception in the end zone, the Q-Tip, or (gasp!) the Rosencopter!!!... all events associated with losing Texans football teams. The pain has been harsh. The pain has been long. The pain has been mind-numbing. We have suffered together! We have cried together! We have hoped together! Do I need to go on? I will answer that. Not with that line of delivery.

Well, things have changed around here for the better, Jacoby Jones notwithstanding. The ghosts of Texans seasons past have been vanquished. This Texans team has not only made the playoffs, but they have also won a playoff game! They have made right, so many wrongs. Throw those old, tired, burdensome feelings away because this past season, we have been given new and joyous feelings; feelings of winning! Gone is the weight of wondering what it's like to win a Division Championship! Gone is season-ending argument about who should be coaching the team next season! Gone is the thought of giving up your season tickets! We have been reborn and we now have goals greater than any that we have ever rightly had before. Next season we want it all. We want the Super Bowl! We have more than just hope and hype!

But wait, let's get back to the subject at hand. Let's give thanks to some of those intangibles that contributed to to our winning Texans season.

Thank You, Brian Cushing's Bloody Face

Brian Cushing entertained us all season with his sideline to sideline hustle and hitting. He also entertained us with his wired up antics during games and we will always remember his bloody face, the result of headbutting Cleveland Brown Guard Shaun Lauvao.

Thank You, Twitter

Arian Foster wanted us to know that he was more than just someones fantasy football player and he posted an MRI of his hammy to prove it. In his Tweet, Foster said, "4 those sincerely concerned, I’m doing ok & plan 2 B back by opening day. 4 those worried abt your fantasy team, u ppl are sick,"

Thank You, Ben Tate's 1st Touchdown Dance, ala Billy White Shoes...

Sure, it was preseason. But, it was Ben Tate's first NFL TD ever and not much planning had gone into it. Tate busted out his best Billy White Shoes imitation.

Thank You, "That's Kinda What I Do... That's My Thing!"

We have a special player in J.J. Watt. He provided many, many memories, but who will ever forget his Abracadabra Pick 6 in the first ever Texans playoff game against the Bengals. Wade Phillips explained it matter-of-factly, afterward, "He does that everyday in practice."

Thank You, Connor Barwin's Barber

This isn't the best picture of Barwin's Doo, but you have to admit, his doo adds style to his moves on the field. Earlier in the season, he was sporting a porn-stache, but he lost that when he let the beard come in. I hope he keeps the doo going and I hope to see fans donning Barwin-Doo wigs in the stands next season.

Thank You, Neil Rackers' Tackle Against the BESFs

Who could deny the impact from that tackle, sending a message to everyone in the NFL, "Rackers Never Stops Coming!" LOL!

Thank You, Nnamdi Asomugha

Nnamdi Asomugha and his agent tried to fool with Rick Smith during the shortened free agent period during preseason, looking to use the Texans as leverage for the biggest contract he could get. Rick Smith quickly parlayed that into a twofer, signing both CB Johnathan Joseph and S Danieal Manning, instead. The Texans never looked back. Nnamdi joined Vince Young's Dream Team Eagles and watched the playoffs from his living room...

Thank You, Officials Who Made the Wrong Calls (sarcasm)

I don't want to list them all, but they were there. The Texans had to learn to overcome playing against an NFL team plus bad officiating. I submit one of the most memorable bad calls, the T.J. Yates Pass against the Falcons. The obvious incomplete pass was ruled a fumble and returned for a TD, but was later blown dead because everyone else in the stadium besides the referees knew it was an incomplete pass, as the special teams ran out. Anyways, to the Texans credit, they overcame that horrendous refereeing gaff and still won the game.

Thank You, Antonio Smith Ninja Dance and Thank You, Shaun Cody "On The Nose"
I'm killing two birds with one stone, here...
DE Antonio Smith thrilled us with his Ninja sack dance during the season. Also, kudos to NT Shaun Cody for his funny "On The Nose" installments on the Mothership. In the linked video, Cody focuses on the Ninja's stealthy ways.

Thank You, "They Never Stop Coming" Defense


The Wade Phillips architected 3-4 defense set the bar at a new height this season as they went places no Texans defense had previously gone, the playoffs, baby! Along the way, opposing offenses were heard muttering, "They never stop coming!"

Thank You, MS Paint Stuart Scott

Introduced by MDC in his Two Day Hangover FeaturePost, he became a fixture at BattleRedBlog and he will be forever endeared by us.

Thank You, Brian Braman's Helmetless Tackle

How else can the Texans proclaim that they are playoff ready than to have one of their backups get into the game and demonstrate to all watching that, "They Never Stop Coming!" Who needs a helmet.

Thank You, 80 for 80

That is what we might agree to call the signature drive that ushered in T.J. Yates to the national spotlight; that put an exclamation point on the "Next Man Up!" season full of injuries to key players; that crowned the Texans AFC South Division Champions!