The Houston Texans’ rushing offense produced a 1,000-yard running back in Carlos Hyde in 2019, but there may be room for improvement.
According to Pro Football Focus, starting right guard Zach Fulton finished with a 42.5 grade, tied for 81st among qualifying guards. Even though Hyde was able to reach the 1,000-yard threshold for the first time in his career, the Texans’ running game was barely a supporting element to the offense as quarterback Deshaun Watson still had to carry the team to a 10-6 record and an AFC South title.
If the Texans were find an upgrade at left guard, the running game could take another step.
The Texans are reportedly interested in adding former Saint Larry Warford to replace Zach Fulton at RG.
Warford's 76.6 run block grade in 2019 was 7th out of 87 qualified guards, while Fulton's 42.5 mark tied for 81st. pic.twitter.com/mHANTPAqEh
— PFF HOU Texans (@PFF_Texans) May 8, 2020
Former Pro Bowl guard Larry Warford, who spent the past three seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where he earned those accolades each year, is on the market. Warford produced a 76.6 grade in run blocking, according to PFF.
The Texans will seemingly upgrade at running back already with David Johnson, a former All-Pro. If Houston adds Warford and upgrades at guard, it could be enough to elevate the running game to a level where it truly lessens the burden Watson has to carry on a weekly basis.
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