Houston Texans’ quest for AFC South glory hinges on aging running back duo’s resurgence

Revamping the Roster for a New Era:

The Houston Texans have embarked on a transformative journey this offseason, making significant changes to their roster designed to rejuvenate the team on both sides of the ball. These strategic adjustments aim to solidify their position as a formidable contender in the AFC South, with aspirations of clinching their third consecutive title—a feat yet to be achieved in franchise history. As training camp approaches in less than a month, the Texans face a pivotal question that could shape their performance in the upcoming season: How much do their aging running backs have left in the tank?

The Aging Running Back Duo

At the center of this inquiry are Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb, two veteran running backs whose past accolades are overshadowed by concerns about their durability and performance. Mixon, who is set to turn 29 soon, has been a workhorse for the Texans, logging over 210 carries in each of the last four seasons. Last year, in his inaugural season with the team, he rushed for 1,016 yards and found the end zone 11 times, showcasing his ability to still be a key contributor. However, the question looms: how much longer can he maintain this level of production?

Chubb, also 29, adds another layer of intrigue to the Texans’ backfield. After a significant knee injury in 2023, he struggled to regain his elite form last season. The Texans hope that Chubb can bounce back, tapping into the talent that once made him one of the league’s most feared running backs. The combination of Mixon and Chubb, at their peak, could arguably form the most formidable backfield in the NFL. Yet, with both players on the wrong side of 28, the Texans must grapple with the reality of their physical limits.

Emerging Talent and Future Prospects

In addition to the veteran duo, the Texans are looking to invigorate their running game with the addition of rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks. While unproven, Marks represents a potential spark that could provide the Texans with the youthful energy they need in their backfield. The Texans will need to evaluate whether he can emerge as a consistent playmaker, which would alleviate some pressure from Mixon and Chubb as they navigate the rigors of an NFL season.

Dameon Pierce, another member of the running back room, has yet to establish himself as a reliable offensive weapon. His development will be crucial as the Texans look to create a balanced attack. If Pierce can step up, it may allow the coaching staff to manage the workloads of Mixon and Chubb more effectively, keeping them fresh for critical moments throughout the season.

As the Texans prepare for training camp and the upcoming season, the health and performance of their running backs will undoubtedly play a critical role in their quest for AFC South dominance. The potential for a resurgence from Mixon and Chubb could elevate the entire offense, but the team must also be prepared for the possibility that they may need to rely on younger talent to fill any gaps left by their aging stars.

Ultimately, the Texans’ ability to navigate these dynamics will be key to their success. As they embark on this new chapter, the balance between veteran experience and youthful exuberance may determine whether they can achieve the historic milestone they seek. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the Texans are poised to face them head-on, with their running back duo at the heart of their ambitions.