Houston Texans run game made statement against New Orleans Saints

Despite the disappointing loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Houston Texans run game was a great sign to the start of the season.

The Houston Texans rushing attack had an impressive game in the narrow defeat against the New Orleans Saints. Recent acquisitions Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson combined for 19 carries and a total of 140 rushing yards against the Saints’ run defense.

Hyde was responsible for carrying the football 10 times for 83 rushing yards. His performance against the Saints was impressive and his hard running style wore down the defense late in the game. Hyde ended the game averaging 8.3 yards a carry and was one of the main components in Texans scoring three of the four touchdowns on Monday night.

He showed great burst and vision to make the right reads as the Texans offensive line created lanes for him to run through. The NFL season is a marathon, not a race but Hyde’s week one performance was much needed for the Texans after they lost Lamar Miller in his first run from scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys in the preseason.

Meanwhile, Johnson also provided Hyde and the Texans offense another running back capable of taking advantage of his carries. He had nine carries for 57 rushing yards and averaged 6.3 yards a carry.

His catching prowess as a back was on display as he finished second in the team in receptions with four catches for 33 receiving yards and averaging 8.2 yards a reception. Hyde and Johnson have been welcome additions in such short notice and there is a good reason for optimism that they can continue to improve with more time in the Texans’ offense.

Their ability to move the football through the ground will alleviate the pressure on Deshaun Watson and avoid the opportunities of him taking hits as he runs with the football to move the offense down the field. He finished the game with four carries for 40 yards and averaged an efficient 10 yards a carry.