To begin with, the Houston Texans acquired David Montgomery in a trade with the Detroit Lions to strengthen a ground attack that had struggled to find consistency. His three-touchdown performance in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills raised hopes, but his production has fallen sharply since then.
Through five games, Montgomery has rushed for 138 yards on 52 carries, averaging just 2.7 yards per attempt. His struggles have become a major concern for an offense that needs balance, placing him directly on the hot seat.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell highlighted just how serious Montgomery’s decline has become. Montgomery’s 23.1% rushing success rate ranks last in the league. He has produced only one run of at least 10 yards on 52 carries, leaving Houston without the explosive plays it needs from its lead back. The Texans are in desperate need of a reliable runner.
The groin injury to Montgomery now has created an opening for Woody Marks. Montgomery left Houston’s 26–3 win over Tennessee in the second quarter after gaining just 11 yards on five carries. Coach DeMeco Ryans described the injury as week-to-week, leaving Montgomery in danger of missing multiple games. Marks took advantage of the opportunity, rushing for 62 yards on 15 carries and adding four receptions for 23 yards.
Woody Marks Steps Up, but Houston Still Needs a Reliable Running Game Against Jacksonville
Through five games, Marks has rushed for 149 yards on 43 carries, averaging 3.5 yards per attempt, with two touchdowns. He has also recorded 11 receptions for 54 yards. Those numbers are modest, but they compare favorably with Montgomery’s recent rushing production.
While the Texans beat Tennessee 26–3, the result should not hide their offensive limitations. Marks’ best rushing performance of the season came against a struggling opponent, and Jacksonville will present a much stiffer test. The Jaguars have been effective at limiting explosive runs and stopping opponents before they reach the second level.
Most importantly, the defense also delivered its best performance of the season against Tennessee, with Will Anderson Jr. recording three sacks. If both units maintain that form, the Texans have a foundation to build on. Nonetheless, Marks’ expanded role gives the Texans an opportunity, but it also exposes the limits of their current backfield depth. Against a confident division rival, Houston needs more than a strong passing attack to sustain its momentum.
More on the Houston Texans
- C.J. Stroud Pushing for Marvin Harrison Jr. Says More About Houston’s Offense Than the Trade
- Texans Stock Watch: All Eyes on Woody Marks After Promising Week 5 Performance
- League Evaluators Reveal Marvin Harrison Jr. Was Worth a Fourth-Round Pick Before Texans Trade
- C.J. Stroud Jumps Seven Spots to No. 12 in Sports Illustrated’s NFL Quarterback Rankings
