Houston Texans Running Backs Breakdown

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Arian Foster

We all know how good Foster is one the field (some of that is thanks to fantasy football), but there are plenty of people who haven’t been introduced to his humor. Here’s an example of that. The biggest storyline for the Texans during “Hard Knocks” will be the quarterback competition between Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett (the favorite, since they need to see what they have in him), and second-year Pitt product Tom Savage, but I’ll make sure to pay close attention to quips and shenanigans from Foster, and maybe someone can find enough quotables to do something like this again.

In any case, here’s how good Foster was last season. Not only did he run for over 1,246 yards, but he also had 38 receptions and 13 total touchdowns. O’Brien made sure to use him often as a rusher and a receiver, as he was two touches away from 300 despite missing some games and being injured in others (under ten carries in two games).

Per Pro Football Focus, he was fifth in the league with 51 missed tackles forced in the running game, and his 2.83 yards after contact per carry ranked only behind Marshawn Lynch. Foster had good blocking in front of him, but he was able to turn it into something more on many occasions. Only three running backs had more 15+ yard runs as a percentage of their total carries, as Foster’s 16 rushes of at least 15 yards ranked fifth in the NFL overall.

Provided he’s healthy, we can expect more amazing numbers from Foster, particularly since the line should be even better if touted second-year guard Xavier Su’a-Filo can be a successful starter this season. At 28 and with just two years left on his deal, the Texans will most likely continue to feed him often, but they will optimize his carries by mixing in Polk and Blue, depending on how those two show up. I’m not sure the Texans are concerned about Foster’s long-term prospects, but they are concerned about him getting injured or being less effective on his carries.

Next: More efficient second season?