The Houston Texans enter Week 7 after back-to-back wins over the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars, but David Montgomery’s groin injury has left Woody Marks in line for another heavy workload. Montgomery has struggled to find consistent production, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry before his injury, and Houston needs more from its ground game to take pressure off C.J. Stroud.
Marks has already shown he can handle the opportunity. He rushed for 62 yards against Tennessee in Week 5 and added 56 rushing yards against Jacksonville in Week 6. He also contributed as a receiver in both games. With Jawhar Jordan on the practice squad injured list, veteran Dare Ogunbowale is among the remaining options behind Marks.
New York, too has struggled to contain opposing running backs. Marks could exploit that weakness if Houston’s offensive line creates running lanes and the Texans keep the offense balanced.
Marks Could Give C.J. Stroud the Ground Support He Needs
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Marks’ recent form gives Houston reason for optimism. He added receiving production in both games against Titans and Jaguars. Against the Jaguars, he recorded 15 carries for 56 yards and caught two passes for 25 yards. With Montgomery expected to miss Week 7, Marks should again receive the bulk of Houston’s backfield work.
Stroud could get more advanced ground attack, entering the matchup with 1,714 passing yards, nine touchdowns and just one interception. If Marks can gain yards on early downs, the Giants will have to respect the run rather than focus entirely on the Texans’ passing attack. That could create more favorable throwing opportunities for Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel and the rest of Houston’s receiving corps.
Can He Exploit the Giants’ Vulnerable Run Defense?
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The Giants allowed 175 rushing yards to New Orleans in Week 6, with four different players recording at least 32 yards. They also surrendered 202 rushing yards against Washington in Week 5. Houston should look to test the Giants early, particularly if its offensive line can create room between the tackles.
Regardless, New York has shown it can make stops, and its defense will look to force Stroud into obvious passing situations. Marks must do more than collect short gains: breaking tackles, finding cutback lanes and contributing as a receiver will be important.
Dare Ogunbowale could also handle some passing-down work, while practice-squad back Deuce Vaughn may provide additional depth. Marks has a real opportunity, but Houston needs efficient blocking and smart play-calling to turn that opportunity into a productive afternoon.
More on the Houston Texans
- Jalen Pitre Injury Update: Texans Safety’s Week 7 Start in Jeopardy
- Jawhar Jordan Injury Update: Why is the Texans RB Placed on Injured List?
- Will the Texans Trade Wyatt Teller? His First Season in Houston Hasn’t Gone to Plan
- C.J. Stroud Makes Massive Jump in PFF QB Rankings With Only 3 Turnover-Worthy Plays in 6 Games
