3. Backfield order becoming clear
Saturday’s game against the Buccaneers made it clear what the rotation of the running backs starts with Mark Ingram and Philip Lindsay. This one-two punch has the potential to be deadly. Ingram has looked like his old self in flashes the preseason while running hard and through contact.
Lindsay’s second gear is unmatched by any other running back on the Texans roster. His ability to hit the hole and get vertical will be very important for any success on offense for the Texans. Look for the Texans to use a split-back formation in their backfield this season.
This gives them the ability to maximize Lindsay and Ingram by having both out there at the same time. The opposing defense will second guess their coverage leaving one of them to be open or have a gap to run through.
Following Ingram and Lindsay, it seems to be Scotty Phillips and David Johnson. David Johnson looks to be on the roster bubble, followed by Rex Burkhead for the final running back spot. Johnson’s performance wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great and it showed that his importance to this team going forward is little if anything at all.
Scottie Phillips on the other hand showed flashes of what he could be coupled with his value on special teams that may make Phillips more desirable to keep around. Look for David Johnson to be popular in trade rumors before the 53 man roster cut down on Tuesday, August 31st.