Texans vs. Chiefs: Three positives to build on
By Randy Gurzi
Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) runs with the ball as Kansas City Chiefs free safety Husain Abdullah (39) defends during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The last silver lining was probably overlooked because Houston had to play catch up all game long after being put in an early, although self-inflicted, hole. The running game looked very strong, despite the fact that the team was forced to throw so much.
Alfred Blue started the game at running back, but the team also used a good bit of Chris Polk and Jonathan Grimes during the game as well.
Head coach Bill O’Brien said they all do certain things well and will be used according to their skill set and game situation. In the opening game Blue led the team with nine runs for 42 yards and added a seven yard reception as well.
Grimes was the first guy to be used in a change of pace role, and he had 28 yards on six carries. The only problem for Grimes was his first run went for 21 and he managed only 7 yards on the next five carries, but that is honestly something that can happen when your job is to get the ball a few times in such a role. Grimes also added one reception, but only for two yards.
Polk also had a good per carry average as he recorded 22 yards on five carries. Like Blue and Grimes he also added a solo catch and his went for nine yards.
The running game can be fickle and a team may get a stretch of two or three yard carries, but over the course of a game they can find success if they stick with it. For the Texans the score dictated that they couldn’t stick to the ground game, but the overall yards per rush by each back gives reason to believe in a closer game this trio can be effective in replacing injured star Arian Foster.