Top Five Impact Players For Texans In 2015

Oct 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown with a bow against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Number Two – Arian Foster, Running Back

The main cog in this offense for years has been running back Arian Foster, and despite Shorts and Hopkins making my list, Foster is still the most important offensive player for Houston.

What makes him even more valuable is the fact that neither quarterback who could start, Ryan Mallett or Brian Hoyer, strikes much fear into opponents.

For the passing game to reach the potential it has, defenses need to fear the running game. As long as Foster suits up, teams have to bring a lot of defenders down in the box and respect the run.

Foster has fought injuries the last couple of seasons, but still averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2014 and showed no signs of being done in the NFL.

In 2015, the team will rely on him early and often, and as long as his health holds up, Foster should add another 1,400-plus yards to his career rushing stats, further cementing his status as the best running back (and possibly offensive player) in Texans’ history.

Next: Number One