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Houston Texans’ Awards For the 2015 Season

Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports

The Houston Texans had an inauspicious start to 2015, but rebounded quickly to get into the postseason. Here are the regular season awards for the Texans.

MVP: DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt

MVP: DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports
As the only Pro Bowlers for the Texans, DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt were easy picks as the Texans' co-MVPs. Hopkins played with five different quarterbacks and no running game to support him, but still eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving. Watt was his usual dominant self, leading the NFL in sacks with 17.5 and making his fourth straight Pro Bowl.

As the only Pro Bowlers for the Texans, DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt were easy picks as the Texans' co-MVPs. Hopkins played with five different quarterbacks and no running game to support him, but still eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving. Watt was his usual dominant self, leading the NFL in sacks with 17.5 and making his fourth straight Pro Bowl.

Offensive Player of the Year: DeAndre Hopkins

Offensive Player of the Year: DeAndre Hopkins Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports
As mentioned earlier, Hopkins was dominant this season with five below-average quarterbacks and a below-average running game. He ranked fourth in the NFL in both receiving yards (1,315) and receptions (97). He was also tied for seventh in the league in receiving touchdowns (10) and second in receiving first downs (74).

As mentioned earlier, Hopkins was dominant this season with five below-average quarterbacks and a below-average running game. He ranked fourth in the NFL in both receiving yards (1,315) and receptions (97). He was also tied for seventh in the league in receiving touchdowns (10) and second in receiving first downs (74).

Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt

Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports
As mentioned earlier, Watt is making his fourth-straight Pro Bowl appearance after putting together another dominant season for the Texans. Watt passed Derrick Thomas for the second-most career sacks in a player’s first five seasons and became the second-fastest player to reach 70.0 sacks. He led the NFL in quarterback hits, tackles for loss and sacks. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November and had five multi-sack games this season.

As mentioned earlier, Watt is making his fourth-straight Pro Bowl appearance after putting together another dominant season for the Texans. Watt passed Derrick Thomas for the second-most career sacks in a player’s first five seasons and became the second-fastest player to reach 70.0 sacks. He led the NFL in quarterback hits, tackles for loss and sacks. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November and had five multi-sack games this season.

Most Improved: Whitney Mercilus

Most Improved: Whitney Mercilus Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports
Prior to this season, Whitney Mercilus' career-high for sacks in a single-season was seven in 2013. In 2015, Mercilus had a career-high 12, including two games with 3.5 sacks. He had three multi-sack games and 10 of those came against the Texans' AFC South rivals.

Prior to this season, Whitney Mercilus' career-high for sacks in a single-season was seven in 2013. In 2015, Mercilus had a career-high 12, including two games with 3.5 sacks. He had three multi-sack games and 10 of those came against the Texans' AFC South rivals.

Coach/Coordinator of the Year: Romeo Crennel

Coach/Coordinator of the Year: Romeo Crennel Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports
After the first half of the Miami game, Romeo Crennel got the defense back on track and they finished 2015 as the No. 3-ranked defense and No. 3-ranked pass defense. In the last 10 weeks of the season, Crennel's defense held six opponents to 10 points or less.

After the first half of the Miami game, Romeo Crennel got the defense back on track and they finished 2015 as the No. 3-ranked defense and No. 3-ranked pass defense. In the last 10 weeks of the season, Crennel's defense held six opponents to 10 points or less.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jaelen Strong

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jaelen Strong Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports
Jaelen Strong didn't contribute much as a rookie, but he made some crucial points that could point to success going forward. Strong had 14 receptions, but three went for touchdowns. He caught a Hail Mary pass against the Colts and scored another touchdown in the same game. He also caught the Texans' only offensive touchdown in the second game against the Colts, which gave the Texans an advantage they would never relinquish.

Jaelen Strong didn't contribute much as a rookie, but he made some crucial points that could point to success going forward. Strong had 14 receptions, but three went for touchdowns. He caught a Hail Mary pass against the Colts and scored another touchdown in the same game. He also caught the Texans' only offensive touchdown in the second game against the Colts, which gave the Texans an advantage they would never relinquish.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Kevin Johnson

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Kevin Johnson Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports
The Texans already had two solid corners in Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson, but Kevin Johnson stepped right in and became an effective slot corner. Johnson had his only interception of the regular season in the Texans' first meeting against Tennessee and finished sixth on the team in total tackles with 52.

The Texans already had two solid corners in Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson, but Kevin Johnson stepped right in and became an effective slot corner. Johnson had his only interception of the regular season in the Texans' first meeting against Tennessee and finished sixth on the team in total tackles with 52.

Newcomer of the Year: Vince Wilfork

Newcomer of the Year: Vince Wilfork Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports
Vince Wilfork is past his prime, but he was a welcome addition for the Texans. Following Louis Nix III's preseason release, Wilfork played more snaps than expected, but he helped the Texans finish No. 9-overall in rush defense. At age 34, Wilfork played in all 16 games and had 22 tackles. His presence allowed J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Brian Cushing to make plays.

Vince Wilfork is past his prime, but he was a welcome addition for the Texans. Following Louis Nix III's preseason release, Wilfork played more snaps than expected, but he helped the Texans finish No. 9-overall in rush defense. At age 34, Wilfork played in all 16 games and had 22 tackles. His presence allowed J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Brian Cushing to make plays.

Brian Kalchik is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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