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Houston Texans 2016 outlook: Position grades

By Randy Gurzi

Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Houston Texans helmet sits on the bench against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Houston Texans helmet sits on the bench against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs the ball against Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) during the first quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs the ball against Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) during the first quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs F

This is a position that was a big failure for Houston in 2015 and can use an entire overhaul. Their star running back Arian Foster played in only four games and managed a measly 2.6 yards per attempt during those four appearances. He looks to be on the way out as his best days are behind him and he simply can’t stay healthy.

Behind him were the un-exciting two-some of Alfred Blue and Chris Polk. Blue had 698 yards on 183 carries which was a sad 3.8 yards per attempt. He also managed two touchdowns on the ground and one receiving as for the second straight season he fell flat on his face with the opportunity to be a featured back.

Blue seems to be a fan favorite, which makes no sense because he simply isn’t any good at all. For his career he now averages a pathetic 3.5 yards per attempt. To showcase what Blue has to offer, it took him four attempts from one-yard out in a preseason game to cross the goal line. He couldn’t get it done in a game that didn’t count, and it’s past time to move on.

Polk was even worse than Blue and also should be headed out the door. The former Eagle ran for 334 yards on 99 carries, which was a lowly 3.4 yards per attempt.

The only guy worth keeping around was third down back, Jonathan Grimes. The veteran back managed to rush for 282 yards on 56 carries, which was good for five yards per try. He also brought in 26 receptions for 173 yards and a score as he proved to be a reliable check down option.

Many mock drafts have Houston snatching up Ezekiel Elliott in the first round this season. Such a move would allow the team to move on from their underperforming backs and have a running attack similar to what the featured during Foster’s prime.

Next: Quarterbacks

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