Should the Texans kick the tires on C.J. Anderson?
The Denver Broncos released running back C.J. Anderson Monday. Anderson is a very productive running back and should find a new home rather easily. With the modern NFL moving towards having a stable of running backs, should the Houston Texans sign Anderson?
Currently the top two running backs on the Texans roster are Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman. Miller has been a primary back in Houston and Miami and Foreman showed flashes of his playmaking ability. However Miller had a down 2017 season and an Achilles injury ended Foreman’s season prematurely. Adding another running back to the mix could lessen the load for all three backs and make them more productive overall.
There are two main reasons that factor into Miller’s disappointing season. Lackluster offensive line play and the shortened campaign of Deshaun Watson. If the Texans offensive line played better or Watson played the whole season, Miller may have had a better year statistically. Unfortunately Miller only ran for 888 yards and three touchdowns. This was Miller’s third-lowest rushing total in four seasons and lowest touchdown total during the same timeframe. It is worth noting that Foreman did start one game in 2017. In 10 total games of action Foreman ran for 327 yards and two touchdowns. Yards and touchdowns that could have easily been Miller’s.
Why should the Texans add C.J. Anderson?
Anderson is still a highly productive running back. In fact Anderson ran for a career-high 1007 yards this past season. Anderson is also a presence in the passing game, with 28 receptions for 224 yards and one touchdown in 2017. Being a back who can also catch passes also provides the Texans an option if they would like to move on from Miller. Both running backs have similar skill sets and can work well with a larger back such as Foreman. Even though Miller and Anderson are the same age, Miller came into the league one year earlier and has put more miles on his body.
It is also possible that the Texans keep all three running backs. This would limit the carries and hits that Miller, Foreman and Anderson will take over the course of a season. It also provides Houston with the ability to have a productive running back on the field at all times rather than a player who probably should not see the field.
Signing Anderson can allow the Texans to score more often, apply more pressure on the defense and most importantly win more games. If there is a possibility to bring in Anderson to be part of a three-headed monster rushing attack the Texans should make it happen.