BACK ATTACK

Houston Texans positional preview: Running Back

Coty Davis
Jul 10, 2020, 12:14 pm
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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Rocket Launch

Rockets get back on track with wins over Pistons and Mavericks

Rockets get another much-needed win. Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images.

The Houston Rockets went on a redemption tour by beating the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks. But the most pivotal win was against the Mavericks as the Rockets finally showed their true potential. John Wall finally made his return from his injury hiatus and played with a lot of energy. DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Gordon combined for 61 points. It was great to see Stephan Silas crack a smile as he was able to beat his former team.

The Rockets clearly missed Wall during his eight-game absense. This season, the Rockets are a .500 team with Wall on the court. Wall is the Rockets' floor general that leads, constructs, and also pushes his teammates to become better.

Wall only played 21 minutes in the 133-108 win over the Mavericks but still had eight assists. Even though Wall only had 7 points, his presence was still felt by finding his teammates for open looks beyond the perimeter. Wall made sure Cousins and Gordon got a plethora of touches. He called multiple actions, so they got open looks from three, which was mainly Gordon. Gordon and Cousins' struggles have been similar but with Wall on the court, they were successful against the Mavericks. According to NBA Stats, Wall posted a 111 offensive rating with the starters versus the Mavericks, which included Gordon and Cousins.

"He's the engine to this team. He gets everybody going. He makes the game easy," Cousins told a reporter after the game. "The pressure that he constantly puts on the defense is a tough thing to deal with."

Gordon has struggled all season long with three-point shooting and relied on his slashing abilities. Saturday night, Gordon made six three pointers against the Mavericks, which was 66 percent from beyond the perimeter. Gordon increased his three-point percentage from 31 percent to 34.5 percent after Saturday night's game. Gordon's 33 points came from being able to attack the entire Mavericks' defense. Willy Cauley-Stein didn't stand a chance against Gordon as he was burned multiple times. Gordon's been a lifesaver for the Rockets in the last two games, and hopefully he maintains his play.

Cousins played fantastic against the Mavericks scoring 28 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. This is Cousins' first double-double with the Rockets this season. Cousins became the vintage player from the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings. It was extremely fun watching Cousins push the ball up the court and aggressively snatch rebounds. Boogie shot 50 percent from behind the arc by making four three-pointers. He was dominant inside the paint as Cousins went 7/8 from the restricted area versus the Mavericks. This was the game Cousins needed after having a poor performance against the Pistons Friday night.

"It was really, really good. He did it all. He's a physical presence on both ends of the floor," as Silas said on Cousins' performance.

David Nwaba and Mason Jones were big factors off the Rockets' bench by having a combined total of 34 points together. Nwaba has been great in transition for the Rockets the entire season. Keep in mind that Nwaba is returning from an Achilles injury he suffered with his former team, the Brooklyn Nets. Nwaba has became a great defender, slasher, and is averaging a career-high nine points per game with the Rockets. He finished with 18 points on Saturday night versus the Mavericks.

Mason Jones has become a fan favorite of the Rockets because of his confidence. Silas is loving the usage of Jones off the bench but wants to find more minutes for him. Jones had a breakout performance versus the San Antonio Spurs with 24 points off 66 percent shooting from the field. He continues to get better with his reads from the point guard position. Jones' knowledge of running the offense has helped his efficiency on the court. He is never afraid to take clutch shots in pivotal moments of the game.

"To have a young kid who can come in and not be afraid of the moment, that's big. That's a tough position to be in as an undrafted rookie. I trust him. It's a good problem to have," Silas mentioned after the game. "He's showing me he's ready. He's a confident kid, and he should be. That's why he's good. He's not afraid of the moment, at all. He can get us organized, run plays, and score the basketball."

Hopefully, the Rockets can sustain their level of play when Victor Oladipo returns against the Washington Wizards, Tuesday. It will be interesting to watch Oladipo and Wall play in the same backcourt.

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