Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.
Back with another installment, focusing on the position previews for the Houston Texans roster. Up next, it is time to look at Houston's running back situation.
It took a preseason game in Dallas to change the trajectory of the Houston Texans' backfield. Lamar Miller — a Pro Bowl half-back a year prior — tore his ACL two minutes into a preseason game against the Cowboys ending his 2019 season.
With Miller placed on injured reserved, the Texans traded for Carlos Hyde a week before the start of the season. He had a breakout year in 2019, recording over 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career (1,070). While sharing the backfield with Duke Johnson, Hyde helped the Texans generate one of the most explosive dual-threat running back systems in the league.
Houston will now be without either of their starting running backs as they prepare for training camp in July. The departure of both Miller and Hyde has left a gaping hole in the backfield, and it is uncertain which of the Texans' five running backs can fill the empty void.
David Johnson: Starter
In 2016, many considered David Johnson to be the best running back in the league. He fell 121 yards shy from joining the elusive 1,000-1,000 club, as the All-Pro back recorded 1,239 yards on the ground on 293 attempts (4.2 AVG), to go along with 879 yards receiving on 80 catches with 20 total touchdowns. Four years later, an injury-riddled Johnson was the Texans' grand-prize in a deal that sent DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals.
Despite the lopsided trade, a healthy Johnson could be an extraordinary addition to the Texans in hindsight. He still possesses the talent to be a top-tear running back, which gives him the advantage to take the reins as Houston's No. 1 option following Hyde's departure. Although he is still a solid power-back, Johnson is still a proficient pass catcher. He has recorded a total of 208 receptions for 2,219 yards throughout his career — giving Deshaun Watson another reliable target in 2020.
However, the 28-year-old running back has been in decline since his breakout campaign in 2016. Last season, he rushed for 345 yards (3.7 AVG) in 13 games, which led to the Cardinals' decision to move forward with Kenyan Drake as their primary back.
It is unsure what to expect from Johnson in 2020. He could be the Texans' primary back running taking the majority of the workload, or a potential waste of a roster spot costing Houston $11.1 million. Regardless of what's in store, the chances of Johnson returning to his All-Pro form are slim to none.
Duke Johnson: Backup
Much of Duke Johnson's responsibilities in 2020 will depend on the performance of David Johnson. If the former All-Pro running back produces an exceptional season, expect Duke to continue his role as a third-down back who can provide Watson an additional target coming out of the backfield. Nonetheless, should David proceed on a declining slope, Duke would seize the opportunity to be featured as a franchise's primary back.
Duke was a vital piece to the Texans' success in 2019. As an all-round half-back, he ended the year with 410 rush yards (4.9 AVG) and 410 receiving yards (9.3 AVG) with five total touchdowns. He nearly split touches evenly with his backfield-mate Carlos Hyde — resulting in a career-year for Duke.
After a full season playing under Bill O'Brien, the 26-year-old running back should presumably take on more of an offensive load in 2020. And with similar attributes as David, replicating a successful duel-back system will be the best-case scenario for both Duke and the Texans as a whole.
Buddy Howell: Third String
Buddy Howell is entering the 2020 season in a unique situation. Expect to see the 24-year-old running back continue his work on special teams. But the uncertainty surrounding the Texans' backfield may provide an opportunity for Howell to move up the depth chart.
He appeared in 39 snaps since 2018 — with 25 coming during the Texans' season finale against the Titans last season. For his career, he has only recorded 10 yards on five carries. But sharing the same position highlighted by Carlos Hyde and Lamar Miller hindered Howell's chances to showcase his potential coming out of the backfield.
If either of the Johnsons succumb to injury or falls short of expectations, Howell can step in taking advantage of the opportunity at hand. In a small sample size, Howell already proved his worth as a back up running back. While helping the Texans take 30-23 preseason victory over the Lions, Howell notched 84 rushing yards (5.6 AVG) on 15 attempts, to go along with one touchdown in the win. Assuming he stays healthy, Howell will be Houston's insurance policy for 2020.
Karan Higdon: Depth
Karan Higdon Jr. signed with the Texans following the 2019 NFL Draft. He came up short from making Houston's final 53-man roster, but was a member of the team's practice squad last season. In four seasons at the University of Michigan, Higdon rushed for 2,616 yards and posted 27 touchdowns. During his senior season, he tallied a career-best 1,178 rushing yards — third-most in the Big 10 for 2018.
With two fewer preseason games, securing a place on the Texans' roster is still a tall order stacked against Higdon. In four preseason games in 2019, the Michigan prodigy recorded 103 rushing yards on 36 carries and no touchdowns.
Scottie Phillips: Depth
Scottie Phillips is one of nine undrafted rookies who signed with the Texans in April. The 5-foot-8 running back may have the most upside out of his five contemporaries — as many considered Phillips' signing one of the most prominent steals following the draft.
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C.J. Stroud faced criticism in Houston's last few games as the Texans hit a rough patch after losing just two of their first eight games.
But the second-year quarterback remained confident and his strong performance last Sunday helped the Texans (8-5) to a 23-20 win over the Jaguars to enter their bye with a two-game lead atop the AFC South.
“When he is leading and playing the way he is playing, our entire team feeds off of him,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “I am excited for his second year. I think he is showing a ton of growth, he is in a really great spot for us physically, mentally. I really love where he is and I am excited to see how he comes back after the break.”
Stroud threw for 242 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville to leave him ranked fourth in the NFL with 3,117 yards passing this season. That game came after he threw two interceptions in a 32-27 loss to Tennessee a week before for the team’s third loss in four games.
Those two interceptions brought his season total to nine, which are four more than he threw in 15 games a rookie. But the Texans aren’t worried about that statistic and believe he has grown in his second year.
“He’s made a lot of progress,” general manager Nick Caserio said. “There are some plays, like all of our players, that we probably wish he could have back, but happy he’s our quarterback, happy with what he brings to the table. ... Wouldn’t want anyone else leading this team.”
The Texans are in position to win their division for a second straight season despite dealing with several significant injuries on offense. Running back Joe Mixon missed three games early with an ankle injury and leading receiver Nico Collins was sidelined for five games with a hamstring injury.
They also lost four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs for the season when tore an ACL in Week 8.
Mixon leads the team with 887 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns and has added four touchdown receptions. His work in his first season in Houston after a trade from Cincinnati has helped the team deal with those significant injuries to the receiving corps.
Mixon ranks third in the NFL by averaging 88.7 yards rushing a game and has had at least 100 yards rushing in seven games.
Stroud has continually raved about Mixon’s contributions on and off the field.
“He’s a servant, a helper,” Stroud said. “That’s ultimately what I want to be as well. Who can I serve and how can I help? That’s ultimately what the game of football is.”
While Mixon has been the team’s most important new acquisition on offense, Danielle Hunter has been Houston’s new defensive star. The defensive end spent his first eight seasons in Minnesota before joining the Texans this year.
He has helped Houston lead the NFL with 84 tackles for loss after piling up 15 this season, which is tied for third most in the league. He also leads the Texans with 10½ sacks to help them rank second with 42.
Hunter been a great addition to a team that already had defensive end Will Anderson Jr., last year’s AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. Anderson ranks second to Hunter on the team with 13 tackles for loss and 9½ sacks.
Ryans said this week’s break is much needed for a team that opened the preseason on Aug. 1 in the Hall of Fame game.
“It’s here and we’re going to take advantage of it,” he said. “We’ve been going at it for a long time.”
The Texans need to recharge this week with a brutal stretch of three games in 10 days when they return from their bye. Houston hosts Miami on Dec. 15 before a trip to Kansas City on Dec. 21 and a visit from the Ravens on Christmas Day.
“It’s Christmas and all that, but we can’t worry about that. All we can do is focus on Miami,” Caserio said. “And then when we get through the Miami game, then we kind of turn the page to the next. ... We’re either going to earn it or we’re not. Not to oversimplify it, but that’s the truth.”
The Texans will play those game without starting linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair after he received a three-game suspension for his violent hit to the head of Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, which led to a concussion.
Al-Shaair will be eligible to return for Houston’s regular-season finale against Tennessee.