Lamar Miller's resurgent 2018 season continued on Monday Night Football as the Texans veteran back made team history on their way to pushing the AFC's longest win streak to eight.
With the Texans lead of four points in danger, the defense came up big stopping the Titans on a fourth down. The ensuing play was history for the Texans, but familiar for Lamar Miller. He took a handoff and burst through the line on the right side for a 97-yard touchdown. It was the longest play in the history of the franchise. Miller, in 2014, was the last player to rush for a 97-yard score. Miller said he was well aware he was the last player to go 97 yards for a score.
"They did a great job getting movement up front and I was just trying to be decisive and make a play," Miller said.
"I was just thinking 'don't get caught, just keep running," he said with a laugh. In previous weeks teammates had joked with him about being caught from behind by defenders.
"I haven't run like that in a long time," Miller joked.
The Texans have had a balanced attack for weeks and when the rushing attack gets going, the passing attack appreciates it.
"It just opened up the whole offense," said Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.
He finished the day with 12 carries for 162 yards and the long score. His 13.5 yards per carry average was the best of his career. The team set a single-game franchise record for rushing with 281 yards.
Miller was decisive and explosive. Much more the player the Texans hoped they would get when they signed him from Miami than he has been in his time with the team the past two seasons. This has been a huge development for the Texans offense the past few weeks on offense as he's forced teams to respect the rushing attack opening things up for the passing game.
