The Houston Texans entered the 2025 season with high expectations for a revitalized rushing attack, yet the ground game remains a significant liability. Entering Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston ranks fourth-worst in the NFL in yards per carry and holds the second-fewest total carries through eight weeks of play. Head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed frustration with the lack of balance, stating, “I want us to move the football. Run, pass, it doesn’t matter. I want us to move the football and score points.” Despite these struggles, the team has managed to sustain competitiveness by leaning heavily on its aerial attack, with the majority of total yardage generated through the passing game.
Key Match Highlights & Tactical Analysis
However, the persistent underutilization of the running game has led to unusual statistical anomalies that recently collapsed. The Texans’ 27-21 overtime loss to the New York Giants on October 25 snapped two impressive streaks tied to rookie running back Woody Marks. Since being drafted in 2025, Houston had gone a perfect 10-0 when Marks recorded at least 11 carries in a single game. Furthermore, the team had maintained an 11-0 record whenever Marks rushed for a minimum of 44 yards. These streaks highlighted a clear correlation between Marks’ workload and team success, a dynamic that has now shifted as the offense continues to prioritize the pass.
The data suggests that while the Texans’ overall rushing efficiency is poor, specific thresholds for Marks’ involvement remain critical for winning. The recent loss indicates that simply having Marks on the field is no longer a guarantee of victory if the broader offensive structure remains unbalanced. As Houston looks to adjust against the Chargers, the coaching staff must determine whether to force more volume into the running game to restore balance or continue relying on the passing attack that has kept them afloat despite the ground game’s inefficiency. The next few weeks will test whether the team can find a sustainable formula that integrates effective rushing without sacrificing their aerial strengths.
Source: Yahoo Sports
