There was a reason general manager Nick Caserio wanted to bring a 31-year-old Rex Burkhead to the Houston Texans, and it wasn’t just because he thought the former Super Bowl champion could help carry the rock.
Burkhead still has the ability to run the ball at a high level as he proved in the Texans’ 41-29 win over the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday in Week 16 at NRG Stadium. Burkhead became the third player since 1960 to rush for 140-plus yards, score two or more touchdowns, and maintain a 6.5 yards per carry or greater.
The 22 carries for 149 yards and two touchdowns helped Burkhead achieve a career high in rushing yards and also mark his fourth game of two-plus rushing touchdowns, but the former Cincinnati Bengals 2013 sixth-round pick is more focused on the team’s success.
“You know, it’s all great, but I’m more happy we got the victory,” Burkhead said. “That’s two in a row for us. And we’re just trying to get better as a team, better as a unit each and every week. We’ve got two more opportunities for us left in this season. And it was awesome to see everybody contribute.
Burkhead gave credit to his teammates for being able to close out the win, as cornerback Tavierre Thomas did with a 48-yard interception to help Houston lead 41-23 until the Chargers’ final touchdown drive.
“Tavierre there with the interception for a touchdown at the end, a guy who I have a ton of respect for: he’s a hard worker, comes to work every single day ready to get better,” said Burkhead. “Of course Phil (Dorsett) with some great catches. C-Mo (Chris Moore) with an unbelievable catch in traffic. Of course, Davis (Mills) with just great throws all day, taking control of the huddle and leading us down the field.”
The win improves Houston’s record to 4-11 on the season and marks their first winning streak since Weeks 12-13 of 2020.