The Houston Texans rushing offense was dominant with its three-headed monsters in the backfield.
Pro Bowlers Mark Ingram, David Johnson, and Phillip Lindsay churned 160 yards on the ground in Houston’s 37-21 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. The success on the ground also led to the passing game exploding as starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor went 21-of-33 for 291 yards, two touchdowns, and a 112.1 passer rating.
In the four games since, Houston’s rushing offense hasn’t even touched the 100-yard mark, and the Texans have been afflicted with a four-game losing streak.
Rookie quarterback Davis Mills has an idea as to why the run game has been so anemic starting with Week 2.
“A lot of it’s just execution,” Mills said. “Some of it on my end, making sure we’re in the right mike [middle linebacker] points. There were a couple times in the game where I either pointed wrong or didn’t bring the down somebody for support in blocking. Some of it’s on me, and then some of it’s on just mixing it up, trying to execute a little better.”
Mills has filled in for the injured Taylor over the past four games. Teams have loaded up to stop the run and put the emphasis on the rookie to lead Houston’s offense. Aside from Week 5 against the New England Patriots when Mills posted a 141.7 passer rating, the strategy has worked.
If the Texans can get the run game going again, it will help the rookie pick up third downs and fourth downs, which Houston was able to do against New England at 6-14 on third downs and 3-3 on fourth downs.
“I think staying ahead of the sticks,” said Mills. “A lot of those were third and shorts, fourth and shorts, so we had a chance. It’s tough in those third and longer situations where the defense knows you’re going to throw. It’s tough to find completions in those downs.”
Houston will have a chance to spark the run game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6 as the Colts give up 108.4 rushing yards per game, good for 19th in the NFL.