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Houston Texans positional breakdown: Running back

By Randy Gurzi

Nov 22, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) tackles Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) tackles Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) carries the ball as New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) tackles during the first quarter during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) carries the ball as New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) tackles during the first quarter during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The recent backup: Alfred Blue

Anyone who reads the Toro Times knows I am in no way, shape or form a believer in Alfred Blue. He has been in the league for two seasons and was given two shots at becoming a lead back while Arian Foster was hurt. Both times he fell flat on his face.

Vitals

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 222 pounds
Age: 25
Career rushing yards: 1,226
Career rushing TDs: 4

With Foster sidelined Blue ran a poor 3.8 yards per carry as a rookie and followed it up with a pathetic 3.1 yards per attempt. Yet, fans and coaches still seem to like the guy who consistently underperforms at each and every opportunity.

The best way to describe Blue’s skills at taking advantage of an opportunity came in two different preseason games in 2015. Against the 49ers, Blue and company were unable to punch the ball in despite seven tries. Yes, seven. Sure, not all those fails were Blue’s fault, but any pro running back could have found a way there, especially in an exhibition game.

Another preseason game saw the Louisiana State product need three tries to get a one-yard score against the Saints.

Simply put, the Texans need to move on, but sadly they probably won’t. Look for Blue to be the backup despite much more upside from rookie Tyler Ervin and much more actual NFL production from Jonathan Grimes.

Season prediction: Rush yards: 255, Yards per rush 3.5, TD’s: 1

Next: Third-down back

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