Houston Texans positional breakdown: Running back
By Randy Gurzi
The starter: Lamar Miller
Lamar Miller was a huge win for the Houston Texans as they were able to land the biggest free agent prize as far as running backs go this offseason. His signing was overshadowed by the move to get quarterback Brock Osweiler, but the agreement with Miller will be just as vital to the Texans’ success in 2016.
Vitals
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 225 pounds
Age: 25
Career rushing yards: 2,930
Career rushing TDs: 19
Lamar Miller was linked to several teams before signing with the Texans and what he brings to the team is a versatile, veteran back who was incredibly underutilized by the Miami Dolphins. No one knows why, but whoever was calling the shots in South Beach kept putting Miller on the sidelines despite the fact that when he touched the ball a lot, they won. When he didn’t, they were stagnant on offense.
In Houston that shouldn’t be a problem as Bill O’Brien will be happy to utilize the back who averaged 4.6 yards per rush and caught 117 passes for 887 yards in four seasons in Miami.
Miller can be utilized as a runner in the single back sets Houston employs and offers a dynamic threat as a receiver out of the backfield. When the Texans added Osweiler and Miller, they instantly became one of the better offenses in the league.
Season prediction: 1,250 yards rushing; 400 yards receiving; 9 total TD’s
Next: Still the backup?