Running Back Room Set to Be The Best in Years for Texans
Clearing a low bar is still a good thing
The Houston Texans haven’t had a franchise running back in over a decade. Arian Foster’s departure gave way to Lamar Miller. Miller was solid, but paled in comparison to a franchise legend.
There was a thousand-yard season from Carlos Hyde. The David Johnson addition enraged the fanbase, but he was serviceable. Rex Burkhead had one excellent game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Dameon Pierce flashed talent, but failed to replicate it. Joe Mixon’s one season of success was followed by the most mysterious handling of an injury in franchise history. Nick Chubb was far from his old self, and Woody Marks was an inefficient rookie.
The Texans still don’t have a franchise running back. They are, however, better equipped to run the football.
It’s the best running back room in years.
David Montgomery should have plenty left in the tank. The veteran back just turned 29 last month and is coming off his lowest usage season ever. Don’t let the usage fool you; Montgomery was still effective for the Detroit Lions. He rushed for eight touchdowns and 4.6 yards per attempt, which was the second-highest in his career. He will be back in a starting role after backing up Jahmyr Gibbs the past two seasons.
“He embodies everything we want here with our team and with our offense,” offensive coordinator Nick Caley said. “Comes to work every single day. I’m really, really happy that he’s a part of our team. He’s made an impact. You can feel him. He goes about his business the right way every single day. He’s been great. Really, really happy he’s been an addition to our team.”
Since he arrived in the league in 2019, Montgomery has been one of the most productive running backs in football. He’s eighth in scrimmage yards among running backs since entering the league. Montgomery also ranks eighth in receiving yards and seventh in rushing yards among running backs.
Montgomery, as the lead back, should allow Woody Marks to be more successful. Marks wasn’t drafted to start last year. He would’ve been an ideal running mate with Joe Mixon, but he ended up as the team’s starter. Marks was miscast as a between-the-tackles bruiser. The Texans had a bad offensive line, and Marks was going through growing pains. Marks also visited the blue injury tent nearly every game. Judicious usage of Marks, along with a better role, should make him more effective.
