MIAMI — Texans quarterback Matt Schaub catapulted from second alternate to being voted the Most Valuable Player in Sunday’s Pro Bowl at Sun Life Stadium.
Schaub started and finished for the AFC team that defeated the NFC 41-34. He completed 13-of-17 for 189 yards and two touchdowns. He didn’t throw an interception, and his rating was 151.3.
Schaub led a strong showing by the four-player contingent from the Texans. Andre Johnson caught three passes for 71 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown.
“I’m real happy for Matt because I don’t think he gets the respect and recognition around the country that he deserves,” Johnson said. “He came out firing, and we were clicking.”
Defensive end Mario Williams celebrated his 25th birthday by buying a boat and registering two sacks and three quarterback hurries.
When the NFC was driving for a potential tying touchdown with 2:28 left in the game, Williams forced quarterback Tony Romo into throwing an interception that secured the victory for the AFC.
‘Got after them’
“It was fun to win, a great feeling” said Williams, who started for the AFC and was the most dominant defensive player on the field. “I fired a couple of warning shots early. I got loose and got after them.”
Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans recorded three unassisted tackles.
“I think our performance tonight showed the nation that the Texans have got some talent,” Ryans said. “We don’t get a lot of chances to showcase it on a national stage, but we did tonight. Matt was awesome, and Mario was great.
“We wanted to win this game. It’s always competitive, especially in the fourth quarter. Besides, the money’s better, too.”
The winners received $45,000 each and the losers $22,500 apiece.
When voting was announced late in the season, Schaub was the second alternate after Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger.
Manning was unable to play because Indianapolis is playing New Orleans in Super Bowl XLIV. Rivers and Brady pulled out because of injuries. Roethisberger declined his invitation because of injuries.
Splitting duties
Schaub, Tennessee’s Vince Young (6-of-12 for 47 yards, one interception) and Jacksonville’s David Garrard (8-of-14 for 184, one touchdown) led the 41-point outburst.
Schaub started and led the AFC to touchdowns on both of his drives that covered 65 yards in five plays. He threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Johnson, who beat Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel.
“We ran a pump route, and he was all over it,” Johnson said. “Coach (Norv) Turner said when we get a third-and-six, they’d call something like that. It was a perfect call.
“It was my first Pro Bowl touchdown,” Johnson said. “You can’t beat the feeling. It’s a great feeling.”
Schaub threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Denver’s Brandon Marshall on his second series. He turned it over to Young in the first quarter with the AFC leading 14-3.
Schaub returned in the fourth quarter with the score 34-34. He completed five passes for 68 yards, the last one a 17-yarder to San Diego tight end Antonio Gates to the NFC 2-yard line. Tennessee running back Chris Johnson scored on the next play to five the AFC the victory.
“I think Matt showed what we (Texans) know, that he’s one of the elite quarterbacks in this league,” Johnson said.
