The Texans weren’t the same in 2013. Neither was Duane Brown.

Despite making the Pro Bowl a second consecutive year — this time as an injury replacement — Brown acknowledged Friday he wasn’t fully pleased with his performance during a season that saw the Texans post an NFL-worst 2-14 record.

“I thought I played OK,” Brown said during a community appearance at West University Elementary. “I set the bar for myself pretty high and I don’t think I quite played up to my potential last year.”

The loss of running backs Arian Foster and Ben Tate to injury affected Brown’s performance, as did instability at quarterback, with Matt Schaub and Case Keenum suffering through inefficient seasons. A turf-toe injury also slowed the 6-foot-4, 303-pound Brown, who missed a game for the first time in three seasons and was limited to 14 starts.

Moreover, the anchor of the left side of the Texans’ line wasn’t his normal bulky self. Brown intentionally slimmed down heading into 2013, ultimately losing about 12-15 pounds. He was faster and sleeker, improving his range. But he was also thinner and weaker, unable to either plow ahead or maintain his hold during a season that saw the Texans drop 14 consecutive games.

The Texans tied for 20th out of 32 teams in average rushing yards per game (108.9) last season after ranking eighth (132.7) in 2012. They also tied for 28th in total rushing touchdowns (seven) in 2013, becoming punch-less after Foster departed in Week 7.

“I lost a lot of weight last year and I’m off that. I’m staying pretty big these days,” said Brown, who’s entering his seventh season with the Texans.

While the Texans are in transition and could see several new faces rotating into their offensive line under new coach Bill O’Brien, Brown is attempting to regain his 2012 strength. He’s still eating healthy. But he’s also eating more, intentionally putting on weight as he prepares for a new campaign.

The bulk-up received an extra kick during last week’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cook-off outside Reliant Stadium. Brown spent multiple days soaking in the atmosphere and digging into the meaty offerings, highlighted by a stay inside the University of Houston’s tent with Texans backup quarterback Case Keenum.

“I’m excited for this year,” Brown said. “I’ve been working my tail off already, trying to make this the best offseason of my career and I want to make this the best season of my career. We’re all trying to do our part.”

Twitter: ChronBrianSmith