The Texans made a bold move last offseason, acquiring Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals — and it turned out to be one of the best things Houston could’ve done to bolster their offense.
Mixon brought a consistent level of toughness and energy throughout the season, which had been needed on the offensive side of the ball.
The veteran running back surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and totaled 12 touchdowns. What makes that stat line even more impressive is the fact that he missed several games due to a hip-drop tackle injury, a play now banned by the NFL.
Houston’s rushing attack started the season fairly strong and had its moments, but it was often inconsistent — a flaw that largely fell on the offensive coaching staff, who were let go following the season.
If the offensive line had been even average, Mixon could have easily reached the 1,300-yard mark.
Another issue was the lack of depth behind Mixon. Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale served as the main backups, but were used sparingly. While both players had their moments, the Texans staff knew they needed to add another proven veteran.
That addition came a little over a month ago when the Texans signed Nick Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowl running back who spent his entire career with the Cleveland Browns.
Chubb was one of the best backs in football until suffering a devastating knee injury early in the 2023 season, tearing his ACL, MCL, meniscus, and medial capsule. At the time, the injury cast serious doubt on his future, but Chubb worked his way back and is now reportedly fully healthy.
Players who suffer that type of injury — and to that severity — rarely make it back, but Chubb is a clear outlier. It’s a testament to his dedication to the game. While he played a few games late last season, he later suffered a broken foot that sidelined him again. He didn’t look like his old self — understandably so — but now, two years removed from the original injury, there’s hope he can make an impact immediately.
Chubb joins a Texans team that already has a starting running back in Mixon, which could allow him to stay fresh, contribute situationally, and potentially step into a bigger role if injuries occur.
He doesn’t need to be the 2022 version of himself — when he rushed for over 1,500 yards — but if Chubb can show flashes of that level consistently, there’s no reason why Mixon and Chubb can’t anchor a top-10 rushing attack in the league.
Ultimately, it all comes down to the offensive line. If that group repeats last year’s performance — or somehow regresses — it won’t be pretty. But the Texans staff believes things will be much improved, and that belief isn’t far-fetched.
With an overhauled offensive line, a young, revamped coaching staff, and a new offensive scheme, 2025 could be a huge bounce-back year for the Texans.