Oct 7, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates the 41-27 victory against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Farrell/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

With Arian Foster and Ben Tate at their disposal, it’s no surprise that the Texans have continued to dominate the South’s run category, ranking among the NFL’s top ten in the past two seasons. Up until now, Maurice Jones-Drew and Chris Johnson have been the only significant running backs worth challenging Foster’s stats in the division, but after the Colts added former free agent running back Ahmad Bradshaw themselves during the week, things could be about to change for the better if you’re a Colts fan.

For the most part, the Colts haven’t featured an elusive running back recently, at least not one that compares to Foster, Jones-Drew or Johnson. Indianapolis has relied heavily on the passing game, and rightfully so – especially since Andrew Luck has successfully lead the team head first after the departure of Peyton Manning and a whole new-look offense took over to start last season.

Right now, the Colts still haven’t found that elusive running back, but Bradshaw is the type of guy that could simply get the job done down the stretch, even if it doesn’t look overly pretty on paper.

What the Colts probably saw in Bradshaw wasn’t the injury issues that come with signing a 27-year old veteran, it was more of his size and ability to break down tacklers early in the play and turn what looks like a short yardage situation into a potential big gain. Bradshaw’s two 1,000 plus yard seasons in the past three years also make him the favored starter for most of the season, even if his foot injury causes him to miss a few snaps.

So with that said, what can the Texans expect when facing Bradshaw twice (or maybe more) next season?

Alongside the Texans’ talented running game in 2012, lied a defense that allowed only 1,560 yards and five touchdowns, ranking them seventh among the league. In the six games where the Texans faced their AFC South foes last season, Houston allowed only 150-yards against the Jaguars, 202 against the Titans and 183 against the Colts.

It’s fair to say that the Colts will propose more of a challenge to Wade Phillips’ defense this season, as the Texans linebackers had no trouble containing rookie Vick Ballard last year. What Bradshaw will bring when facing the Texans’ defense is of course a much stronger dominance, and ability to fight off tackles, but don’t be surprised to see Bradshaw step up as a blocker for Luck during most of the season.

Luck was sacked 41-times during his rookie year, and quickly became one of those quarterbacks who was known (or forced) to use his legs. Luck probably isn’t in the Robert Griffin III or Michael Vick category just yet, but GM Ryan Grigson has focused on better protection for his quarterback all offseason, and the addition of Bradshaw speaks of that focus.

The Texans sacked Luck six times last season, the most out of any team the Colts faced. Bradshaw on the other hand has played a role in blocking for Eli Manning during two Super Bowl’s, and that “veteran” experience everyone is talking about is definitely evident in the blocking game.

Of course, Bradshaw is a veteran in the sense that he has six years experience under his belt, not that he is old. Brashaw is only 27, and has at least another three good years left in him. The Colts would like to see Bradshaw form a quick one two punch on the ground, and also coax younger guys like Ballard into more worthwhile snaps as time goes on.

There’s nothing to say that the Texans defense can’t contain Bradshaw when he’s running, but reaching Luck and sacking him may be a little harder. The last time Bradshaw saw the Texans was on the 10th of October 2010 in Reliant Stadium, where he rushed for only 67-yards.

On the flip side, the Texans could also see Brian Cushing return from injury as early as Week 1, so when the Colts and Texans meet in Week 9 after the bye, expect some big blitzes, and a whole lot of work for Bradshaw on his feet.

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Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) celebrates after a tackle against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Two weeks removed from the Texans acquiring DeAndre Hopkins in the first round, we now enter that time of the season where things are a little stiff as far as news goes. Luckily, the guys over at WithTheFirstPick.com have taken the time to keep the draft stories coming, by taking a look at the Houston Texans 2010 selections, which featured Kareem Jackson and Ben Tate as the opening round picks.

Click here if you want to check it out, the analysis is posted below with some comment from myself.

Houston Texans

• Total Raw Score: 73.45 (16th)
• Total Weighted Score: 91.33 (17th)
• Average Raw Score: 8.16 (21st)
• Average Weighted Score: 10.15 (21st)
• Total Draft Value: -93 (22nd)
• Average Draft Value: -10.33 (21st)

Analysis: With the 20th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans selected Kareem Jackson out of Alabama and has been rewarded with three seasons of steady play and starter. There’s not much else you can expect out of a mid to late first round pick. The second round selection of Ben Tate, however, has not lived up to expectations. Due to injuries and ineffectiveness, coupled with the emergence of un-drafted sensation Arian Foster, Tate has only appeared in 26 games in three seasons, two of them as a starter. A part time and often injured running back in the second round is the epitome of bad value. Earl Mitchell has been a role player. Darryl Sharpton has struggled with injuries and is hoping to be completely healthy for the first time. None of the later round picks are with the team any longer. A healthy Sharpton would go a long way in making this draft look a lot better. But as of now, beyond Jackson, there is very little value.

Comment: It’s hard not to agree with the analysis here, especially on Ben Tate. By the time Tate came in, the starting role was shaping up as Arian Foster’s for the long haul, and the very next season he went on to rush for 1,224-yards while Tate floundered for just 942. Tate is a solid backup though, and is averaging 4.3 yards a carry after limited time on the field last year.

As for Kareem Jackson, he has by far become the Texans’ best pick of the year. Last season Jackson started in 15 games, and has become a part of the Jonathan Joseph and Brice McCain rotation. He had a career high four interceptions last year, and played a big part in the Texans’ win over the Broncos last season.

Wrapping it up, it’s kind of funny looking at this draft. At the time it appeared promising, especially with another running back coming in to maybe challenge Foster, but Jackson’s emergence can be listed as one of few positives. Earl Mitchell has started in only a few games recently, but is still a big part of the defensive line. Unfortunately Darryl Sharpton’s relationship with the injured reserve list thanks to a hip injury remains a problem.

It will be interesting to see what is made of this year’s draft come three year’s time. At the moment, Hopkins, D.J. Swearinger and Alan Bonner look to be potential standouts.

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Sep 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Ben Tate (44) on the sidelines against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Titans 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

The Houston Texans released their final injury report for week 11 and while it is a lengthy list, the news isn’t all bad.

Of the 14 players listed, only Ben Tate (hamstring) has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Owen Daniels (back) and Tim Dobbins (shoulder) are questionable to play.

Alan Ball (ankle), Shaun Cody (ribs/back), Quintin Demps (thumb/forearm/toe), Bradie James (thumb), Lestar Jean (knee), Brice McCain (knee), Jesse Nading (foot), Wade Smith (knee), Antonio Smith (ankle), Kevin Walter (groin) and T.J. Yates (elbow) have all been designated as probable for Sunday’s game.

The NFL defines the status designations as follows:
Out = Player will not play
Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play
Questionable = 50% chance a player will play
Probable = 75% chance a player will play