After a dominant first win of the season in the form of a 26-0 beatdown of the Tennessee Titans, the Texans come into a new league week with a much better idea of their offensive capabilities as a team.
Speaking of offense, one of the biggest takeaways from the game was the emergence of fourth-round rookie RB Woody Marks out of USC. After the first three games in which he primarily had to wait behind veteran RB Nick Chubb for touches, he took over against the Titans with an impressive stat line.
- 17 carries for 69 yards (4.1 YPC)
- 1 rushing touchdown (18 yard run)
- 4 receptions for 50 yards (12.5 AVG)
- 1 receiving touchdown
The last time a Texans running back scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game was Joe Mixon last season against the New England Patriots in a 41-21 victory.
Before today, Marks had 12 carries, 2 receptions, 44 rushing yards, 46 receiving yards and zero scores total through the first three contests. This was his official "Welcome to the NFL" game.
What makes this even more of a big deal is the fact that the Texans are still awaiting word on the status of original starter Joe Mixon and his bad ankle that has kept him inactive all the way through the offseason and training camp.
With Mixon out for at least the first four games, that has left a void at the position that offensive coordinator Nick Caley tried filling with Nick Chubb. After grabbing Chubb in free agency from the Cleveland Browns, the hope was that the 8th year back could revitalize his career with the club after back-to-back seasons with year-ending leg injuries.
Besides Chubb's lone 25-yard touchdown run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his production has left a lot to be desired.
In comparison to Marks, Chubb's stats since Week 1 have been lackluster.
- 47 carries for 188 yards (4.0 YPC)
- 1 rushing touchdown (25 yard run)
- 7 receptions for 46 yards (6.6 AVG)
- 0 receiving touchdowns
While Chubb was not necessarily brought over to be the long-term answer at running back, it still warrants expressing that Woody Marks just seems to be a better overall fit for the current needs of the offense while they figure the rest out.
He has more burst, quick twitch, pass catching ability, and flexibility when it comes to managing some of the deficiencies of the offensive line. He also seemingly best mirrors some of the play stylings of Joe Mixon himself, being a guy who can cut back on a dime and take a run through the tackles for positive results more often than not.
It isn't all Chubb's fault. Age, injuries, poor offensive line play, and potential scheme fit issues could be hindering his ability to better adjust to the offense as called upon.
Regardless, Woody Marks looks every bit of the Texans' RB1 come their week 5 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. At this current moment, he gives you the best opportunity for production at the position when you're still trying to find a rhythm with Nick Caley, CJ Stroud, and this brand new offense.
Nick Caserio might've struck gold yet again with another rookie phenom prospect. And no, I'm not saying this as a way to grease the wheels for a wholesale replacement of Joe Mixon also.
However, at the rate that Woody is going as he grows in this offense, there is definitely a path for the conversation to become very interesting.