Lamar Miller isn’t the only back to watch in Houston
Recent free agent signing Lamar Miller is the number one back in Houston, but his backups will be of huge importance in the team’s offense.
The former Miami Dolphin running back is a solid all-around starting running back in the NFL. Miller is a highly athletic, speedy back who is capable of big plays.
Over the last two seasons, he rushed for 1,971 yards and 16 touchdowns at 4.8 yards per carry. He also caught 85 passes for 672 yards through the air.
His rise and signing in Houston is a major story of the NFL offseason. However, one back does not make up an entire run game or roster.
Miller’s backups are two entirely different players, but they are solid backups.
Alfred Blue is a 6’2” 225 pound hammer on the ground. In his first two years in the NFL he was the only consistent runner. Arian Foster was breaking down and Blue filled in capably during Foster’s absence.
Blue rushed for 1,226 yards and record six total touchdowns in two years as a backup. In fact, last year he led the team in rushing with 698 yards. His numbers won’t blow anybody away, but he’s a big back that carry the load.
Blue isn’t the only back to watch this season. Tyler Ervin, the fourth round draft pick out of San Jose State, should be a factor this season as well. Ervin was an all-purpose machine for the Spartans last year. Standing at just 5’10” and weighing in at 177 pounds he’s a “sawed off” change up to Blue’s bruising style.
He rushed for 1,601 yards and 13 touchdowns, but he also caught 45 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns. He then added over 700 total return yards and a touchdown and this is just in 2015. He can do it all and that should help him find his own niche in Houston’s offense.
Expect Bill O’Brien to utilize these two underrated backs this season.
-HST Correspondent Collin Wieder
(Stats courtesy of Pro-Football Reference)
