Texans Running Backs: Complete Roster Guide

The Houston Texans, a professional American football team, have had their fair share of talented running backs throughout their history. From the dynamic duo of Arian Foster and Ben Tate to the current crop of young and promising backs, the Texans have consistently shown a commitment to building a strong ground game. As we dive into the complete roster guide for Texans running backs, we’ll examine the current state of the position, including the players, their strengths and weaknesses, and what to expect from them in the upcoming season.

Current Roster:

1. Dameon Pierce: A rookie out of Florida, Pierce was drafted by the Texans in the 4th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s a physical, between-the-tackles runner with excellent vision and footwork. Pierce has already shown flashes of brilliance in preseason games, demonstrating his ability to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact.
2. Rex Burkhead: A veteran running back with 8 years of NFL experience, Burkhead signed with the Texans in 2021. He’s a versatile back who can play both running back and fullback, offering a unique combination of size, speed, and elusiveness. Burkhead is a reliable receiver out of the backfield and has been known to make big plays in critical situations.
3. Marlon Mack: A free agent signing in 2022, Mack brings a wealth of experience to the Texans’ backfield. With 4 years of NFL experience under his belt, Mack has developed into a dependable, hard-nosed runner who excels in short-yardage situations. He’s also shown improvement as a receiver, making him a valuable asset in the Texans’ offense.
4. Dare Ogunbowale: An undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin, Ogunbowale has been a pleasant surprise for the Texans. He’s a speedy, agile back with excellent quickness and elusiveness, making him a threat in the open field. Ogunbowale has also shown a willingness to block and protect the quarterback, earning him a spot on the roster.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

The Texans’ running back corps boasts a mix of youth, experience, and versatility. Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale offer exciting upside as young, dynamic players, while Rex Burkhead and Marlon Mack provide stability and veteran leadership. The group’s strengths include:

• Physicality: The Texans’ running backs are known for their toughness and ability to break tackles. Pierce, in particular, has shown a penchant for gaining extra yards after contact.
• Versatility: Burkhead and Mack can play multiple positions, including fullback, making them valuable assets in the Texans’ offense.
• Speed: Ogunbowale’s quickness and agility make him a threat in the open field, while Pierce has shown the ability to break off long runs.

However, the group also has some weaknesses:

• Inexperience: Pierce and Ogunbowale are still rookies, and while they’ve shown promise, they’ll need to continue to develop and refine their skills.
• Depth: The Texans’ running back corps is relatively thin, with only four players on the roster. If injuries occur, the team may need to rely on unproven players or seek external help.
• Pass protection: While the Texans’ running backs have shown improvement in pass protection, it remains an area of concern. Burkhead and Mack will need to continue to work on their blocking skills to help protect the quarterback.

What to Expect:

As the Texans head into the upcoming season, expectations are high for the running back corps. With a strong offensive line and a quarterback who excels at play-action passes, the stage is set for the running backs to thrive. Here are a few things to expect:

• Increased workload for Pierce: As the rookie running back continues to develop, expect his workload to increase. He’ll likely become the lead back, with Burkhead and Mack serving as complementary pieces.
• More emphasis on the run game: The Texans have consistently shown a commitment to building a strong ground game, and this season should be no exception. Expect the team to focus on establishing the run, with the running backs playing a key role in the offense.
• Improved pass protection: The Texans’ running backs have worked hard to improve their pass protection skills, and it’s expected to pay off this season. With a strong quarterback and a solid offensive line, the running backs should be able to provide better protection and help the offense thrive.

FAQs:

As the Texans head into the upcoming season, the running back corps is poised to play a significant role in the team’s success. With a mix of youth, experience, and versatility, the unit has the potential to be one of the most exciting in the NFL. However, it’s essential to remember that the running backs are just one piece of the puzzle, and the team’s overall success will depend on the performance of the offense as a whole.