With Focus On C.J. Stroud's Return, How Will Texans' Run Game Perform Against Colts?

As much celebration occurred yesterday over the triumphant returns of both quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive back Jalen Pitre to the gameday roster, expectations naturally rose alongside the event.

The thought of Stroud once again leading the troops to battle with precision and poise, while Pitre helps secure the middle of the field with explosive intensity, became the central focus of fan and media conversations throughout the Houston sports landscape.

What flew under the radar, though, is the reality that playing one-dimensionally on offense is not the most ideal plan against any NFL opponent, especially one in the Indianapolis Colts, who have made specific adjustments in order to prevent passing attacks from demoralizing them on a weekly basis (Namely, trading for Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner).

As exciting as Stroud and the fans are at him being able to spin the pig-skin again, he needs more support if he's going to topple the AFC South leading Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here enters the Houston rushing attack, led by the tandem of running backs Woody Marks and Nick Chubb. During the last three games in which Stroud was sidelined, the two combined to rush for 110 yards and one touchdown vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars, 61 yards against the Tennessee Titans and 90 yards against the Buffalo Bills.

Although those numbers are not eye-popping, some stats that do stand out are the fact that Houston has outgained their last three opponents in first down conversions 62-47. While not every first down was handled by Marks and Chubb, it certainly helps to know that their contributions aid in keeping the offense on the field, dominating time of possession and providing the team with opportunities to reach the red zone.

Against a passing defense anchored by cornerbacks "Sauce" Gardner, Charvarius Ward and Kenny Moore II, the Texans will need whatever offensive supplements they can get if they hope to pull the upset come this Sunday. This is especially considering the Colts are the NFL's fifth-best in interception rate(11) and 12th-best in opponent completion percentage (64%).

Now, being able to run the football is easier said than done against the Colts' defense. Even though Indianapolis just allowed back to back 140+ yard rushing games against the Falcons and Chiefs, the Colts are still the NFL's sixth best rushing defense in yard per game surrendered (97.4), and are tied with Houston for fifth lowest amount of rushing touchdowns given up (9) (they are also tenth best in yards per carry rate at 4.0).

Needless to say, this is another reason why the Colts are 8-3 on the year and are threatening as one of the AFC's best after 11 games played.

That's why it's so important, whether in the air or on the ground, for Stroud, offensive coordinator Nick Caley and the rest of the offense to take advantage of any and all opportunities they get throughout the contest.

Playing sound football is the key. Stroud being out there makes a huge difference in the pass game compared to the last three weeks, but that could also open the door to surprising the Colts on the ground.

The time for talking is almost complete, Texans vs. Colts has the potential to be one of the best games of week 13 weekend.

Do you think the Texans will find success running the ball against the Colts? Let us know in the comment section below or on the official Texans Roundtable X account, @Texans_RTB!