Houston Texans: 5 Running backs to examine in free agency
![KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 18: Running back Spencer Ware #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball as inside linebacker Avery Williamson #54 of the Tennessee Titans chases during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 18: Running back Spencer Ware #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball as inside linebacker Avery Williamson #54 of the Tennessee Titans chases during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Ftorotimes-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F630202632-850x560-892de61a2090296f68eb162235622d1ca5793bcd468e35de59299913f1131d8c.jpg)
1. C.J. Anderson
If the Houston Texans are looking for a change of pace back, who is able to gain big yardage, but get the tough yards too here is the solution. Look no further than veteran running back C.J. Anderson who just came off a very strong playoff showing with the Los Angeles Rams.
Anderson showed this past playoffs he can carry a team for an entire game if need be or he can play a reserve role and get the job done as a change of pace type of back, wearing down the opposing defense along the way.
The 28-year old Anderson in the regular season had 67 carries for 403 yards and two touchdowns, and within that he averaged 6.0 yards per carry.
In the playoffs, Anderson broke out strong against the Dallas Cowboys where he rushed the football 23 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
What was even more impressive for Anderson was in the 123-yard rushing performance he had a long carry of just 15 yards and he changed the entire complexion of the game, ending the season of the NFC East champion Cowboys.
In the NFC Championship game, Anderson had 16 carries for 44 yards, and in the Super Bowl he carried the football seven times for 22 yards.
Anderson isn’t much of a pass catcher, but averaging 6.0 yards per carry makes him a great option as a change of pace back for the Texans. He would really add the offense by gaining the tough yards where at times the Texans couldn’t get this past season, and that changes how an entire game is played.
Next. 5 free agents who won’t be back with Houston Texans in 2019. dark
The playoff standout Anderson is worth taking a long look at this offseason and if he can repeat his performance of last season with the Texans, the offense would have an entirely different feel in 2019 which would be great for all involved.