Running back Lamar Miller produced 973 rushing yards for the Houston Texans in 2018. However, it wasn’t just his 97-yard rushing touchdown versus the Tennessee Titans the created the bulk of his rushing totals.
According to research from Pro Football Focus, the Pro Bowler produced 15 plays of 15-plus rushing yards for the Texans last season.
Partly why Miller was able to have those rushing plays was due to the fact coach Bill O’Brien has a rigid philosophy of committing to the run. For instance, the Texans were third in the NFL in rushing on first down with 285 such plays. Only the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks had more with 287 apiece.
Nonetheless, having Miller capable of big-play ability is another way for the Texans offense to pick up chunk plays without quarterback Deshaun Watson having to use his legs, improvise, or rely solely on the passing game altogether. Miller is entering the final year of his contract at age 28. If the former Miami Hurricane can have similar production in 2019, then it should bode well for the Texans in their quest to defend their AFC South title.
