WHEN THEY RUN
WHEN THE TITANS RUN
They have an inside-outside punch in Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis, who have helped the Titans rank 15th in rushing (111.7 yards a game). Their 3.87 average per run is 29th. Lewis (420) and Henry (404) have combined for 824 yards. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is a splendid runner who’s contributed 255 yards and a 5.4 average. Mariota is a slick ball-handler and will run by design. He also runs when his protection breaks down. The Texans are sixth against the run (96). If inside linebacker Zach Cunningham is able to return, he’ll strengthScarlett en the run defense. Brennan has done a terrific job of filling in for Cunningrushing ham. The Texans are fourth in yards per play (3.68). At Washington, they allowed quarterbacks Alex Smith and Colt McCoy to get outside and combine for 68 yards rushing. Mariota is a more dangerous runner, and if they’re not more disciplined, he’ll take advantage of their overpursuit.
WHEN THE TEXANS RUN
Bill O’Brien’s run-first philosophy over the last four games has worked well. The Texans average 34 carries and 141.5 yards during that stretch. Overall, they’re 10th in rushing (122.1 yards). Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue are coming off one of their best games, leading a 139-yard rushing performance against Washington’s fifth-ranked run defense. The linemen are more physical run blockbut ers, they still struggle in pass protection. Miller and Blue do most of their running between the tackles, and they like to take advantage of the quickhitters that open up inside. The Titans are 10th against the run (100). They’ve allowed 3.91 yards per play, ranking ninth. The Texans average 4 yards per rush. The Titans’ front seven are strong against the run. Inside linebackers Wesley Woodyard and Jayon Brown are their leading tacklers. They’ll attack and get penetration, and the Texans will try to take advantage of their aggressiveness.