No, the Houston Texans' running game is far from fixed.
Yes, it did enough on the road in London to secure a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and accomplish something no team has this season six weeks into the new year.
Despite having their struggles with moving the chains, the Texans' running game humbled the Jaguars’ league-best run defense on a slippery Sunday afternoon at Wembley Stadium in a 34-31 win.
Behind a questionable offensive line, Houston ran for over 100 yards for the first time since Week 1 and averaged more than 4 yards per attempt, becoming the first time to rush for triple-digits against Jacksonville.
"Credit to the offensive line for how they sustain their blocks and they finish better," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "Our
backs ran the ball really well. Our offensive line has gotten better each and every week. I'm really proud of the progression that they've made.”
The cutback and vision from Jawhar Jordan on this touchdown run 🔥
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Entering Sunday, Houston ranked 31st in total rushing yards and 30th in yards per attempt. As for Jacksonville, which eliminated the rushing attack of Saquon Barkley the week prior, it entered the weekend having allowed less than 3.0 yards per attempt.
No running back has rushed for over 40 yards against Anthony Campanile's defensive line. Jawhar Jordan, who was called up in place of the injured David Montgomery, had six carries for 43 yards. After the Jaguars made it a three-point game, Jordan broke free in the open field for a 25-yard touchdown to make it a double-digit lead once more.
Woody Marks had 56 yards on 15 carries and averaged just under 4.0 yards per carry. He also caught a 19-yard reception in the fourth quarter to set up the Ka'imi Fairbairn game-winning field goal.
Woody Marks is wide open and gets the @HoustonTexans just inside field goal range...
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“Both running backs, yesterday you saw just playing decisive and playing with speed," Ryans said. "Jawhar just brings that home run speed, like him being able to run outside zone, effectively really press the blocks on the outside, setting up the offensive line to make their blocks and then being able to cut downhill. He had a great run, great cut back on the 25-yard touchdown.
"He stepped up and really maximized his opportunity.”
The Texans hope to keep the good times rolling on the ground when they face off against the New York Giants next Sunday at Noon before the bye week.
Entering the matchup, New York ranks 29th against the run, allowing opponents to average 135.5 yards per game.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans run game finds new spark in win over Jaguars
