If there is a silver lining in the Houston Texans’ season opening loss to the Buffalo Bills it is their new running back David Montgomery.
After having one of the worst rushing offenses in the NFL last season, Houston had 124 rushing yards against Buffalo, including 60 yards and three total touchdowns from Montgomery.
"David did an outstanding job today and David doesn't do a great job without talking about the offensive line,” head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “I thought those guys controlled the line of scrimmage really well, especially in those short-yardage critical situations. We were able to press forward, gain a yard, keep our offense out on the field. David ran it well. Woody [Marks] also ran it well. I really love where we're head with that
one-two punch at the running back position. Those guys did a really great job."
Seeing the run blocking from the offensive line was also a positive sign for the rest of the season. There were a lot of concerns about this unit after their struggles last season. However, that seemed to be alleviated a little bit in this game, although quarterback C.J. Stroud was still sacked three times, including twice on the final drive of the game.
Still, Stroud also connected with Nico Collins and Montgmery for two touchdown passes, including one in the third to give Houston a 1-point lead.
"I would have loved to give David a game ball, first Texan to start his debut with three touchdowns," Ryans said Monday. "I thought it was a very impressive game by him finding a way to get in the end zone, the offensive line blocked it really well, just really encouraged with what he brings and what he provides our offense. You talk about a guy who can be an explosive runner, physical runner. When we needed yards, he was able to get positive yards even when the run may have been blocked for zero."
Houston’s schedule does not get any easier with a game against the Cincinnati Bengals next week. Cincinnati’s defense was all over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their season opener, generating four forced fumbles including a scoop-and-score by Demetrius Knight Jr.
Stroud will have to take better care of the football if the Texans want to leave this game with their first win of the season.
Kickoff is scheduled for Noon on CBS.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: DeMeco Ryans praises RB David Montgomery, Texans OL in season opener
