Houston Texans: 5 Takeaways from Week 5 win over Atlanta Falcons

4. A good rushing game can make a difference

The rushing game of the Houston Texans made a big difference in setting up the offense against the Atlanta Falcons, with Carlos Hyde having 21 carries for 60 yards with one touchdown (2.9 yards per carry), along with Duke Johnson having nine carries for 59 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per carry.

Even quarterback Deshaun Watson rushed for 47 yards on four carries. Johnson also had one reception for eight yards, showing if the Texans get the running backs more involved in the game plan, they will not only have success running the ball, but it no doubt helped open up the passing game, too.

The Texans didn’t even have 20 combined carries last week between the duo of Hyde and Johnson in the loss to the Carolina Panthers, but when they had a combined 30 carries this week the offense had more success. It is tough not to think the early carries of Hyde didn’t help that progression from Week 4 to Week 5.

Houston’s offensive line also blocked well in the rushing game, so they too deserve credit in the improvement of the running game, and altogether Hyde and Johnson — though not jumping off the page compared to others on Sunday— played well. That type of performance will be what is needed from here on out for the offense to keep firing on all cylinders.