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Texans Running Backs

Jordan’s physical build is different from the other backs I peg them for keeping. I wonder if he was drafted (rd 6) for his potential as a return specialist or as a change-of-pace option. Also I don't see any backs on the team with homerun speed, but not having a back with blazing speed doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t score long touchdowns so not a concern but more of an observation. Going to be interesting to see what the running back room looks like after cut down day right up to week 1.
One of them got ran down by a freaking DL last week. Just sayin'.
 

Cam Akers might not be the Houston Texans' leading rusher in 2024, but he's going to be a factor in the revamped ground game. He has to, at almost 8 yards per carry and good at receiving also. Mixon might be looking over his shoulder pad.
 
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Pierce looks good in practice. Do the Texans tackle to the ground in practice? Every single RB on the Texans roster looks better, in actual game situations, than Pierce does. His forte in 2022 was breaking tackles. He hasn't broken many tackles in over a year of actual games, forget good blocking or not.
 
I was shocked Akers played as much as he did. I figured his roster spot was secure. Meanwhile they had Pierce in bubble wrap… possible trade?
That's why this is going to be interesting. Was Pierce not on the field to protect against injury for trade bait or b/c he is RB2? And/or was Akers on the field to solidify a roster spot or to showcase to potential suitors?
 
I just can’t imagine Pierce could have this type of production during the preseason and still have. A guaranteed roster spot.

I really wouldn’t mind seeing Akers, Jordan, and Brooks round out the 2024 RB room with Mixon. If there was a 5th spot available…..Dare O would be my pick.
 
I just can’t imagine Pierce could have this type of production during the preseason and still have. A guaranteed roster spot.

I really wouldn’t mind seeing Akers, Jordan, and Brooks round out the 2024 RB room with Mixon. If there was a 5th spot available…..Dare O would be my pick.
That's my RB room.

Brooks actually could be an upgrade over Beck.
 
Maybe the reason why Coach is keeping DP around is because he’s a good locker room guy. And he’s an extremely hard worker. I’ve seen a lot of players make teams just because of those two reasoning.
They might make him a special team player only.
Me personally would cut him because he just doesn’t fit the scheme.
I’m a good locker room guy and extremely hard worker as well. I am also not a scheme fit… they should sign me!
 
My RB room:

RB
Mixon
Akers
Ogunbowale (ST ace)
Jordan

FB
Brooks

Put Beck on PUP or IR depending on his injury. Give Brooks the opportunity to take the FB job. If he falters send Beck back up as designated return. If not… we got a gem.

Mixon/Akers are a nice 1-2 punch. Akers looks like he has made a tremendous recovery from another achilles tear. Two starter quality backs from the looks of it.

Then you’ve got the ST ace Ogunbowale and finally Jordan. I want to use Jordan as a returner if i’m activating him and take advantage of his pass catching ability in spot duty. It was a close call between Jordan and Taylor, but Jordan is the draft pick and Taylor is probably easier to get to the PS.

I like the RBs this team brought to camp… aside from the obvious one.
 
Just based PS games and what camp reports look like, my RB room would be identical to the real joker. Mixon, Akers, Dare, and Jordan, with Brooks at FB.

Now…do I think we will see that? Nope. DP is very likely making this team. I think Bobby favors experience, so we will see Brooks and Jordan cut. One or both possible PS candidates. Brooks in particular needs reps and experience. He will get some of that in practices.

And the fact that Akers was playing yesterday, even into the last quarter tells me he’s a bubble guy. Why? Absolutely zero idea. He’s done nothing but ball out since day one. And the coaches, including DeMeco have no interest in enlightening us with the details.

As far as DP, the Texans seem to be intent on pushing square pegs into round holes. They did it last year until they were forced to change course and suddenly the run game looked better.

The good news is that if healthy, Mixon is the bell cow. He will get the lions share of the Carries. But if your asking me who I want as next man up between Pierce and Akers…it’s not close. It’s like the distance between New York and LA.

Get your pitchforks and torches ready for Tuesday.
 
Just a thought, Texans have cap room to trade for a starting caliber RB and return players, picks & compensation. All cards on the table :poker:
 
Just a thought, Texans have cap room to trade for a starting caliber RB and return players, picks & compensation. All cards on the table :poker:
I have a feeling DP was held out to ensure his trade value. That doesn’t mean they will get that value that they are seeking, and he very well may be 2A or 2B with Akers, but I think Akers took Jordan’s spot. Brooks and Dare are/were competing for RB4 / ST Ace. Remember Brooks was UNC’s ST captain for 2 years if I recall correctly. This isn’t the way I would necessarily go about it, but I think the room is Mixon Pierce Akers Brooks. But I believe Frank Ross’ voice will also play a big part in that RB4 discussion. Ross is obviously Ryans’ right hand.

Just my observations.

Edit : Bawden may very well take Sko/Beck/Hairston spot at FB because he is held in high regard for teams that use the FB position.
 
I have a feeling DP was held out to ensure his trade value. That doesn’t mean they will get that value that they are seeking, and he very well may be 2A or 2B with Akers, but I think Akers took Jordan’s spot. Brooks and Dare are/were competing for RB4 / ST Ace. Remember Brooks was UNC’s ST captain for 2 years if I recall correctly. This isn’t the way I would necessarily go about it, but I think the room is Mixon Pierce Akers Brooks. But I believe Frank Ross’ voice will also play a big part in that RB4 discussion. Ross is obviously Ryans’ right hand.

Just my observations.

Edit : Bawden may very well take Sko/Beck/Hairston spot at FB because he is held in high regard for teams that use the FB position.
IMG_7458.png
Also of note, we can add Bawden’s wife to the Texans WAG group. He gets a spot for sure on my 53 man…
 
Just based PS games and what camp reports look like, my RB room would be identical to the real joker. Mixon, Akers, Dare, and Jordan, with Brooks at FB.

Now…do I think we will see that? Nope. DP is very likely making this team. I think Bobby favors experience, so we will see Brooks and Jordan cut. One or both possible PS candidates. Brooks in particular needs reps and experience. He will get some of that in practices.

And the fact that Akers was playing yesterday, even into the last quarter tells me he’s a bubble guy. Why? Absolutely zero idea. He’s done nothing but ball out since day one. And the coaches, including DeMeco have no interest in enlightening us with the details.

As far as DP, the Texans seem to be intent on pushing square pegs into round holes. They did it last year until they were forced to change course and suddenly the run game looked better.

The good news is that if healthy, Mixon is the bell cow. He will get the lions share of the Carries. But if your asking me who I want as next man up between Pierce and Akers…it’s not close. It’s like the distance between New York and LA.

Get your pitchforks and torches ready for Tuesday.
Totally agree.

My prediction for the RB room is Mixon, Pierce, Dare, Akers. I don't like it, but I think that's what they'll do.

Dare could be cut for roster gymnastics on cut down day, but will then be re-signed.
 
Totally agree.

My prediction for the RB room is Mixon, Pierce, Dare, Akers. I don't like it, but I think that's what they'll do.

Dare could be cut for roster gymnastics on cut down day, but will then be re-signed.
I am about 60% confident that will not happen. I think they are intentionally building a culture that will attract players desperate to play in the NFL, looking for an opportunity... So, they are going to be focused on respecting these preseason competitions in a meaningful way. (I hope I'm right. We'll see very soon!)
 
He's the best RB they have,

I hope he has a heavy workload. Why wouldn't you want him to have a heavy workload?
Firstly, I'd rather we be a passing team more than a running team. I'm still skeptical of us even having an average run game.

Secondly. I'm also skeptical of aging RBs who already have a lot of tread on the tires and are expecting to carry a heavy workload. Few can do it and almost everyone other than Derrick Henry eventually breaks down and considering we gave Mixon an extension I'm hoping that breakdown happens later rather than sooner, but I have zero doubt that it's going to come while employed with us unfortunately.

Lastly, I like Mixon but he's just not a gamechanging back, or at least isn't anymore. There's a reason the Bengals were more than happy to cut him (and then trade him instead) and turn to Zack Moss. I've said it before but despite Mixon's personal success (over 1000 yards and the TDs) it didn't actually mean the Bengals had a good run game - In fact they didn't. I'm afraid replicating their approach will also replicate their results. Especially since I also see a lot of similarity between Zac Taylor and Bobby Slowik. I'd sooner see us run a platoon of similarly talented backs. I'm just afraid Pierce is creating a logjam by not being very good and them looking to just rely on Mixon. I'd rather see Mixon get 60% or thereabouts and Akers to get 40% or thereabouts of the carries. I'd even like a 3rd guy in there but I don't really think Pierce or Dare are that guy.
 
Firstly, I'd rather we be a passing team more than a running team. I'm still skeptical of us even having an average run game.

Secondly. I'm also skeptical of aging RBs who already have a lot of tread on the tires and are expecting to carry a heavy workload. Few can do it and almost everyone other than Derrick Henry eventually breaks down and considering we gave Mixon an extension I'm hoping that breakdown happens later rather than sooner, but I have zero doubt that it's going to come while employed with us unfortunately.

Lastly, I like Mixon but he's just not a gamechanging back, or at least isn't anymore. There's a reason the Bengals were more than happy to cut him (and then trade him instead) and turn to Zack Moss. I've said it before but despite Mixon's personal success (over 1000 yards and the TDs) it didn't actually mean the Bengals had a good run game - In fact they didn't. I'm afraid replicating their approach will also replicate their results. Especially since I also see a lot of similarity between Zac Taylor and Bobby Slowik. I'd sooner see us run a platoon of similarly talented backs. I'm just afraid Pierce is creating a logjam by not being very good and them looking to just rely on Mixon. I'd rather see Mixon get 60% or thereabouts and Akers to get 40% or thereabouts of the carries. I'd even like a 3rd guy in there but I don't really think Pierce or Dare are that guy.
I do not disagree with you but if we have the heavy passing attack we both seem to want, Mixon of the past will be very good for us;
same with Akers of this pre-season. I'm hoping we never see Pierce on field. Let him earn his one million on sidelines cheering.
 
Firstly, I'd rather we be a passing team more than a running team. I'm still skeptical of us even having an average run game.

Secondly. I'm also skeptical of aging RBs who already have a lot of tread on the tires and are expecting to carry a heavy workload. Few can do it and almost everyone other than Derrick Henry eventually breaks down and considering we gave Mixon an extension I'm hoping that breakdown happens later rather than sooner, but I have zero doubt that it's going to come while employed with us unfortunately.

Lastly, I like Mixon but he's just not a gamechanging back, or at least isn't anymore. There's a reason the Bengals were more than happy to cut him (and then trade him instead) and turn to Zack Moss. I've said it before but despite Mixon's personal success (over 1000 yards and the TDs) it didn't actually mean the Bengals had a good run game - In fact they didn't. I'm afraid replicating their approach will also replicate their results. Especially since I also see a lot of similarity between Zac Taylor and Bobby Slowik. I'd sooner see us run a platoon of similarly talented backs. I'm just afraid Pierce is creating a logjam by not being very good and them looking to just rely on Mixon. I'd rather see Mixon get 60% or thereabouts and Akers to get 40% or thereabouts of the carries. I'd even like a 3rd guy in there but I don't really think Pierce or Dare are that guy.
I hear you but heavyload to me means he’s going to get the lions share of any carries the team attempts. It doesn’t mean we’re trying to become a run-heavy team.
 
Firstly, I'd rather we be a passing team more than a running team. I'm still skeptical of us even having an average run game.

Secondly. I'm also skeptical of aging RBs who already have a lot of tread on the tires and are expecting to carry a heavy workload. Few can do it and almost everyone other than Derrick Henry eventually breaks down and considering we gave Mixon an extension I'm hoping that breakdown happens later rather than sooner, but I have zero doubt that it's going to come while employed with us unfortunately.

Lastly, I like Mixon but he's just not a gamechanging back, or at least isn't anymore. There's a reason the Bengals were more than happy to cut him (and then trade him instead) and turn to Zack Moss. I've said it before but despite Mixon's personal success (over 1000 yards and the TDs) it didn't actually mean the Bengals had a good run game - In fact they didn't. I'm afraid replicating their approach will also replicate their results. Especially since I also see a lot of similarity between Zac Taylor and Bobby Slowik. I'd sooner see us run a platoon of similarly talented backs. I'm just afraid Pierce is creating a logjam by not being very good and them looking to just rely on Mixon. I'd rather see Mixon get 60% or thereabouts and Akers to get 40% or thereabouts of the carries. I'd even like a 3rd guy in there but I don't really think Pierce or Dare are that guy.
Agree about aging RB's, but the Bengals offensive line is well documented in their below averagedness.
 
Mixon is only 28.


And where did you hear the Bengals were going to cut him?

Game changing? Mixon did his thang even behind a mediocre to terrible offensive line last season.

Our offensive line wasn’t that much better but Singletary was able to be a little productive. Even got him a raise.
 
Mixon is only 28.


And where did you hear the Bengals were going to cut him?

Game changing? Mixon did his thang even behind a mediocre to terrible offensive line last season.

Our offensive line wasn’t that much better but Singletary was able to be a little productive. Even got him a raise.
Mixon's age is irrelevant when he's a RB. Have we not seen countless great RBs run into the ground with heavy workloads and retire early despite how good they once were? There's a reason "tread on the tire" is a common phrase when it comes to RBs. Look at Arian Foster - He didn't even make it to 28. Age just quite simply isn't an indicator of how long a RB can keep going like it is for other positions. He's apparently stayed moderately healthy so hopefully that's an indicator that he can keep going strongly for at least a few more seasons - I just wouldn't rely on it.

They basically did cut him and informed him he was being cut. Except when the Texans found out they offered a trade to the Bengals so the Bengals reversed it and dealt him, happens every so often.

Mixon really isn't a top gamechanging back in the league and never really has been imo. He's been a steady really good back but he hasn't been at the level of McCaffrey, Henry, Jacobs, Chubb, Taylor, etc. He's never been a back that just makes the team have a dominant rushing attack. 1000 yard season sounds great and all, but to be blunt he's a borderline 4 yards a carry back and has been for quite some time. I'd like someone who can get more than that but that's just me. I do appreciate his ability in the passing game though.

And this is all to say I like Mixon. I think he can help us with some glaring issues we had last year. Things like 3rd downs, 4th and short and general short yardage situations as well as red-zone running. I just don't think he's a big enough difference maker to be able to overcome the lacklustre run blocking from the team and I don't think having a heavy running attack is in our best interests considering CJ and this receiver corps. In fact I hope Bobby changes up some of the play calling because we led the league in run, run, pass play call sequencing.
 
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Mixon's age is irrelevant when he's a RB. Have we not seen countless great RBs run into the ground with heavy workloads and retire early despite how good they once were? There's a reason "tread on the tire" is a common phrase when it comes to RBs. Look at Arian Foster - He didn't even make it to 28. Age just quite simply isn't an indicator of how long a RB can keep going like it is for other positions. He's apparently stayed moderately healthy so hopefully that's an indicator that he can keep going strongly for at least a few more seasons - I just wouldn't rely on it.

They basically did cut him and informed him he was being cut. Except when the Texans found out they offered a trade to the Bengals so the Bengals reversed it and dealt him, happens every so often.

Mixon really isn't a top gamechanging back in the league and never really has been imo. He's been a steady really good back but he hasn't been at the level of McCaffrey, Henry, Jacobs, Chubb, Taylor, etc. He's never been a back that just makes the team have a dominant rushing attack. 1000 yard season sounds great and all, but to be blunt he's a borderline 4 yards a carry back and has been for quite some time. I'd like someone who can get more than that but that's just me. I do appreciate his ability in the passing game though.

And this is all to say I like Mixon. I think he can help us with some glaring issues we had last year. Things like 3rd downs, 4th and short and general short yardage situations as well as red-zone running. I just don't think he's a big enough difference maker to be able to overcome the lacklustre run blocking from the team and I don't think having a heavy running attack is in our best interests considering CJ and this receiver corps. In fact I hope Bobby changes up some of the play calling because we led the league in run, run, pass play call sequencing.
I think you're vastly underrating Mixon. He's a really good all around RB. He ran the ball well considering how bad the Cincy old was.


He fits the Texans like a glove. He fills the main weakness the team had last year in short yardage and in the passing game. He's very good at making the first guy miss even in tight spaces. The good thing is I expect the ol to be much improved and there to be cut back lanes available. Mixon is very good at finding these lanes and it's the reason that he is good in short yardage, in addition to breaking 4-5 long runs a year.


In short, we haven't seen the best of Mixon yet and expect a big year from him. Also RB's typically don't fall off of cliff until after age 30. So the 3 year deal Caserio signed him too lines up perfectly.


I expect Mixon to be as big of an add to this offense as Diggs is. Maybe even more since he shores up a weakness more than Diggs does. Bottom line is if the old can stay healthy and Stroud doesn't regress this offense should be very much improved and explosive.
 
I think you're vastly underrating Mixon. He's a really good all around RB. He ran the ball well considering how bad the Cincy old was.


He fits the Texans like a glove. He fills the main weakness the team had last year in short yardage and in the passing game. He's very good at making the first guy miss even in tight spaces. The good thing is I expect the ol to be much improved and there to be cut back lanes available. Mixon is very good at finding these lanes and it's the reason that he is good in short yardage, in addition to breaking 4-5 long runs a year.


In short, we haven't seen the best of Mixon yet and expect a big year from him. Also RB's typically don't fall off of cliff until after age 30. So the 3 year deal Caserio signed him too lines up perfectly.


I expect Mixon to be as big of an add to this offense as Diggs is. Maybe even more since he shores up a weakness more than Diggs does. Bottom line is if the old can stay healthy and Stroud doesn't regress this offense should be very much improved and explosive.
Couldn’t have said this any better. Top notch post right here.
 
The Bengals ol should be much improved this year.
They've done (and thought) that for the last few years though. Lots of moves and shuffling but they have yet to really find that unit that properly gels. Having a healthy Burrow could help but he's also one of those QBs that as much as I love him he holds the ball for so long that I feel like no matter how good his o-line actually is everyone will think they're a little worse than they are. At least with pass protection.
We don't know this. The ol is finally healthy. Much improvement should be expected.
I'd hope so. I did like what I saw in pre-season. I think as a pass protection unit they can be a force, but I'm still skeptical when it comes to the run game.
I think you're vastly underrating Mixon. He's a really good all around RB. He ran the ball well considering how bad the Cincy old was.


He fits the Texans like a glove. He fills the main weakness the team had last year in short yardage and in the passing game. He's very good at making the first guy miss even in tight spaces. The good thing is I expect the ol to be much improved and there to be cut back lanes available. Mixon is very good at finding these lanes and it's the reason that he is good in short yardage, in addition to breaking 4-5 long runs a year.


In short, we haven't seen the best of Mixon yet and expect a big year from him. Also RB's typically don't fall off of cliff until after age 30. So the 3 year deal Caserio signed him too lines up perfectly.


I expect Mixon to be as big of an add to this offense as Diggs is. Maybe even more since he shores up a weakness more than Diggs does. Bottom line is if the old can stay healthy and Stroud doesn't regress this offense should be very much improved and explosive.
I enjoy the optimism from you but for whatever reason I'm a pessimist with the run game and generally optimistic about everything else.

I'm in total agreement with the usage. I think Mixon (at least on paper) fills a lot of holes from a situational perspective and for that I'm happy. I just heavily disagree about RBs falling off. I think it's incredibly rare for a RB to last until his 30s and still be a bell cow, usually by then they're at limited usage or are totally out of the league. Mixon has had a career with a lot of carries - I'm never optimistic about that. I think the only guy I've ever seen not be affected by a huge workload is Derrick Henry.
2023 Joe Mixon
1,034 yards 9 TDs
Plus 3 TDs receiving.
Give us that in 2024 and I will be applauding!
In theory I'd be happy too but yards without considering yards per carry is where I falter. I want a guy who can get us north of 4.5 yards per carry or a platoon of those guys.
 
They've done (and thought) that for the last few years though. Lots of moves and shuffling but they have yet to really find that unit that properly gels. Having a healthy Burrow could help but he's also one of those QBs that as much as I love him he holds the ball for so long that I feel like no matter how good his o-line actually is everyone will think they're a little worse than they are. At least with pass protection.

I'd hope so. I did like what I saw in pre-season. I think as a pass protection unit they can be a force, but I'm still skeptical when it comes to the run game.

I enjoy the optimism from you but for whatever reason I'm a pessimist with the run game and generally optimistic about everything else.

I'm in total agreement with the usage. I think Mixon (at least on paper) fills a lot of holes from a situational perspective and for that I'm happy. I just heavily disagree about RBs falling off. I think it's incredibly rare for a RB to last until his 30s and still be a bell cow, usually by then they're at limited usage or are totally out of the league. Mixon has had a career with a lot of carries - I'm never optimistic about that. I think the only guy I've ever seen not be affected by a huge workload is Derrick Henry.

In theory I'd be happy too but yards without considering yards per carry is where I falter. I want a guy who can get us north of 4.5 yards per carry or a platoon of those guys.
His average per carry was 4.0 and I prefer higher but that is still very good for the NFL. Keep in mind we don't need chunks of yardage on the ground if we're getting over 8 yards a catch average.
 
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