DeMeco Ryans Praises Houston Texans' Run Game in Week 10 Win vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Houston Texans had their best rushing performance of the season on Sunday in a huge AFC win. Head coach DeMeco Ryans was quick to credit many on the offense.

Week 10 marked the first time this season in which the Houston Texans had a 100-yard rusher. Devin Singletary’s big day on the ground helped keep Houston’s offense balanced and multi-dimensional as they launched a 544-yard assault on defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s unit.

It was a marked step up from a run game that ranked in the bottom quarter of the league in most important categories, and it goes without saying that being able to neutralize a pass rush and take the pressure off quarterback C.J. Stroud is a much-appreciated bonus.

On Monday, head coach DeMeco Ryans elaborated on the rushing offense’s success while appearing on “Coffee With Coach.”

Running back Devin Singletary takes a handoff from quarterback C.J. Stroud in Cincinnati.  / Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

“Oh yeah that was huge,” Ryans said. “I thought our tight ends did a really good job, our tackles did a really good job of working the edges … The Bengals did a really good job of mixing in safety pressures, so now our receivers are brought into the mix, and now they have to come and try and crack safeties, get in on corners.”

It certainly helped that receiver Noah Brown saw an increased snap share in the absence of receiver Nico Collins. Of course, seven receptions for 172 yards is a monster game, but Brown is on this roster because of his ability to do the dirty work. He’s an exceptional blocker, and it showed on Sunday.

Week 10 was the first time the cohesion was found between each facet of the run game: the line, the weapons, and the backs themselves. Ironically enough, it came without starting running back Dameon Pierce, who has struggled through the first half of the season.

In his place, Singletary exploded. He diminished concerns about his scat-back nature and racked up 30 carries for 150 yards and a score.

“Overall, the guys did a really good job of just great hat placement in the run game,” Ryans said. “And Devin again did a great job running the ball and finishing with a physical mindset.”

Sunday was easily the best game of Singletary’s career and a source of optimism for the Houston offense. A strong ground game can keep the offense afloat if Stroud runs into some struggles down the stretch—even if that’s harder to imagine after yet another incredible performance.

Expect Singletary to carry the load in Week 11, regardless of Pierce’s health. Against an Arizona Cardinals defense that ranks 24th in expected points added against the run and 28th in rushing success rate, the stage is set for a repeat performance.