In beating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-24 on Sunday, the Houston Texans rushed the ball 41 times for 192 yards and three touchdowns. Their running backs, Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson, combined for 140 yards on 34 attempts and a score.
Johnson, who tallied a total of seven touches for 54 yards and a touchdown, won’t take the credit for their success on the ground, nor will he give it to Hyde. Instead, that goes to the offensive line paving lanes for them.
“I think it starts up front,” Johnson said on Monday when asked how the run-game is thriving. “The guys up front do a great job of moving the pile. Even when it’s not perfect they go out and put maximum effort to get us little holes, little gaps to make Carlos [Hyde] and I do the best we can.”
It should come as no coincidence to see the Texans run-game thriving behind the offensive line. After all, Houston forked over three first-round selections and two seconds to build-up the unit — acquiring LT Laremy Tunsil, LG Max Scharping and RT Tytus Howard (currently injured).
The Texans offensive line has played a major role in creating the NFL’s fifth-ranked rushing offense (139.8 yards per). Next week, the five-man blocking unit will look to continue their success against the Indianapolis Colts, who are allowed 113.2 yards per game, 19th in the NFL.
