WHEN THEY RUN
WHEN THE BILLS RUN
When it comes to their running game, the Bills have a three-headed monster. Rookie Devin Singletary (775 yards), veteran Frank Gore (599) and quarterback Josh Allen (510) combined for 1,884 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a threesome, they averaged 4.4 yards a carry. Allen (nine) ran for two more touchdowns than Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson and must be kept in the pocket as much as possible sohe doesn’t take off for first downs. He’s especially dangerous as a runner in the red zone. The Bills have designed runs for him when they get close to the end zone. They rebuilt their offensive line in the offseason, and it’s paid off. Rookie right tackle Cody Ford will have to do some run blocking against J.J. Watt when the Bills try to cross up the Texans in passing situations. The Texans’ run defense was wretched over the second half, giving up 156.7 yards rush including ing over the last eight games, 5.3 a carry. Surrendering long runs has been an issue, too. In their last seven games, they’ve allowed six runs of more than 30 yards, including five of at least 39 yards.
WHEN THE TEXANS RUN
The Texans have been unable to generate a consistent running game. They finished ninth in rushing (125.6), but at one point, they were third (141). Like the Bills, the Texans have three players who contribute to the running game — Carlos Hyde (1,070 yards), Deshaun Watson (413) and Duke Johnson (410). They combined for 1,893 yards and 15 touchdowns. As a trio, they averaged 4.6 yards a carry. Bill O’Brien calls the plays, and he needs to mix Hyde’s first-down runs with Watson’s passes toke ep the Bills off balance. When O’Brien consistently runs Hyde or Johnson on first down, it’s usually for short gains that leave Watson in the precarious second-and-long situations they want to avoid. Hyde and Johnson, both completing their first seasons with the Texans, have been splendid additions to the offense. When they get good blocking and paths are cleared, they get on the second level quick. Hyde makes defenders miss and gets yards after the carry. Johnson is quick and shifty and can bounce outside easily. The Bills finished 10th against the run (103.1 yards) and 18th verage per carry (4.2 yards).