Texans rookie running back D’Onta Foreman is eager for a long run.
For Texans rookie running back D’Onta Foreman, the breakaway runs that became his trademark in college have eluded him so far in the NFL.
The third-round draft pick from the University of Texas is showing signs that he is getting closer to busting a long run, though.
Foreman rushed for a season-high 45 yards on 13 carries during a 57-14 victory over Tennessee, including a season-long 16-yard run.
Being more patient and waiting for holes to open is something Foreman is working diligently to improve.
“I’m definitely itching for that,” Foreman said Friday. “At times in the game, I’ll be forcing some of the runs and I might bounce outside when I shouldn’t have just to try to get that long run that I’m looking for. I’m definitely itching for it. If I keep doing what they tell me to do, it’ll come.”
Working in tandem with Lamar Miller, Foreman is adapting to a much smaller workload after leading the nation last season with 2,028 yards and 15 touchdowns during his final season in Austin.
Foreman has rushed for 114 yards this season on 34 carries, a 3.4 average per run. He’s caught two passes for 65 yards, including a long reception of 34 yards.
“I figured that’s how it was going to be when I came into the league,” Foreman said. “I knew I wasn’t going to come in getting 30 carries or anything like that. It’s something you’ve got to fight through.
“It’s difficult going from getting it 30 times to getting it a couple times a game, but I understand it. Whatever they ask me to do, I’m willing to do it. I’m very confident and comfortable.”
Through every step of the way, Foreman’s father, Derrick, has been an enthusiastic supporter. Especially on social media.
“It’s great; my dad has been like that my whole life,” Foreman said. “He’s always been outspoken about what he thinks and what he feels, how things should go. He’s entitled to his own opinion. I try not to get into it with him a bunch.
“Some people like him for it, some people don’t like him for it. It’s how confident he is in me and my brother. You would rather have a parent be very supportive and want you to do great things.”
Defense rested for Sunday
The Texans’ defense was watching for so long on the sideline during a lopsided victory over the Titans that there was mild concern about the players cooling down too much.
During a 57-14 blowout, the Titans only had 195 net yards and nine first downs. The Texans had 41 defensive snaps as the owned a time of possession advantage of 39:41 to 20:19.
“It’s huge,” Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel said. “I mean, guys are over there looking for exercise bikes to ride. We’re running out of bikes to ride and get warmed up. When our offense can do that, that’s amazing.
“Our guys I think played maybe 40 snaps total. That doesn’t happen very much in the NFL. We’re not expecting that on Sunday night.”
The explosion of offensive production behind rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson has provided a boost to the Texans’ locker room, and some energy to the defense.
“The more that they score, the easier it is for us and you get some plays off and you get to take a break, have a sip of Gatorade on the sideline and just watch,” defensive end J.J. Watt said. “It’s fun. Obviously, we hope we get to continue that and the defense does our part giving the ball back so they can score even more.”
Reader off to fast start
As the replacement for retired five-time Pro Bowl selection Vince Wilfork, Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader has delivered as advertised.
In four starts, Reader already has 14 tackles and one quarterback hit. The 6-3, 325-pound former fifth-round draft pick from Clemson recorded 22 tackles and one sack last season as a rookie.
He’s been an anchor in the middle of the Texans’ fifth-ranked defense that’s allowed 95.5 rushing yards per game to rank ninth in that category.
Reader has been an upgrade so far.
“D.J.’s a good player,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s got a great build for that position. Very strong player. He’s got good juice in the pass-rush game, too, for a guy that is an inside tackle.
“He’s not just a runstuffer. He can play on third down and make plays, press the pocket. He’s done a good job for us.
Blue makes speedy return
When Texans running back Alfred Blue initially suffered a high-ankle sprain during a training camp practice with the New Orleans Saints, it was feared he would be out a long time.
Surgery was among the options discussed before it was determined that he should just rest and rehabilitate the injury.
“The rule of thumb on that is to avoid surgery until you can’t,” Blue said. “It wasn’t that bad that I needed surgery. I decided to stick it out.”
Blue made a healthy return Sunday against the Titans, rushing for 12 yards on three carries in his season debut after missing the first three games.
“It felt good to get back out there and hear the crowd chant your name,” Blue said. “It’s always good to get back on the field. I came back fairly fast. I didn’t expect to be out too long.”
Odds and ends
The Texans signed safety Kurtis Drummond to the practice squad. Drummond cleared waivers after being cut from the active roster. Rookie running back Dare Ogunbowale was cut from the practice squad. … Offensive guard Greg Mancz is questionable for Sunday due to a knee injury. Texans coach Bill O’Brien said Mancz won’t start but will probably play. Jeff Allen is slated to start again at right guard. …
The Texans officially ruled out center-guard Kyle Fuller (hamstring), cornerback Kevin Johnson (sprained medial collateral ligament) and linebacker Ben Heeney (arthroscopic knee surgery).