There are various aspects of the Houston Texans that excite running back David Johnson.
The AFC South club presents an opportunity for the former 2016 All-Pro to reclaim his former glory, revitalize his career, play with a Pro Bowl quarterback, and not have to be the focal point of the offense.
However, the most exciting aspect of the Texans exists in the five offensive linemen in front of Johnson.
“This is the thing I am probably most excited about is how good and dominant our offensive line looks,” Johnson told reporters on Thursday. “How strong they look and just from watching film from last year of each player, it’s going to be very fun to say the least.”
For the first time since 2011, the Texans are returning the same five offensive linemen as starters. Former 2014 San Francisco 49ers second-round running back Carlos Hyde revitalized his career behind the Texans’ line, collecting his first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career.
Who knows what a former All-Pro could do behind LT Laremy Tunsil, LG Max Scharping, C Nick Martin, RG Zach Fulton, and RT Tytus Howard?
“I think it’s going to help out the offense, those five guys up there,” Johnson explained. “Their level of professionalism and how smart they are, first and foremost, is that. L.T., Max, and those guys, Nick, they’re going to be very good for us.”
Johnson looks forward to the offensive line, not only protecting quarterback Deshaun Watson, but also, “get the holes open for me.”
“I can’t wait for the season to start,” Johnson said.
The seasons starts Sept. 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in a rematch of the AFC divisional playoffs. Though the Texans were able to put 31 points on the eventual Super Bowl LIV champions, they gave up 51 points. Although a better defense is the obvious upgrade, perhaps with a more effective ball-control run game led by a dominant offensive line, the Texans can start the season 1-0.
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