There were a number of great as well as not-so-great individual performances in the Houston Texans' 9-7 season. Here are the Texans' 2009 Blog Blitz Awards:

Co-offensive MVP: Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson
As an alternate for the Pro Bowl, there is a good chance that Schaub makes it with Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers or Tom Brady playing in the Super Bowl. Schaub led the NFL in passing yards and remained healthy, making him one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. And he couldn't have done it without Andre Johnson, who this year solidified his spot as the best receiver in the NFL. The duo of Johnson and Schaub is among the best in the NFL and was the reason the Texans had their first winning season.


Defensive MVP: Brian Cushing
As a rookie, Cushing led the NFL in tackles and was the difference-maker on the defense. Cushing was in on nearly every play, whether it was a run or pass. With four interceptions and four sacks, Cushing was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named to the Pro Bowl. The Texans appear to be set at linebacker for the next decade.

Rookie of the year: Brian Cushing
See above. The Texans also had great contributions from Antoine Caldwell, Glover Quin Jr., Jon Busing, Bryce McCain, and Arian Foster.

Needs improvement: Mario Williams
Williams should not be in the Pro Bowl, but he has a Pro Bowl reputation. Mario had nine sacks and two forced fumbles on the year, but those are not enough. He was shut down in multiple games this season and did not improve from his stellar performance in the previous two seasons. He is capable of being the best defensive end in the NFL, but must make some more plays.

Goat of the Year: Kris Brown
The kicker, who had only missed eight field goals in the past two years, missed 11 this season including many in the waning seconds of games. The Texans should not have been in these situations to have their kicker determine games, but Brown has no excuse especially missing many of those field goals in domes where there is no wind or slippery field.

Surprise of the Year: Bernard Pollard
Was signed after Week 2 and came right in and changed a defense that began as one of the worst into a very good one at the end of the season. For the first time in franchise history, the Texans have a safety who can make plays and lay some big hits on the opposition.

Play of the Year: Andre Johnson's catch in Week 2 against the Titans.

--- DAN HURWITZ.