We’re excited about this opportunity. I told our guys, ‘You can’t get up for this game, then why are you here?’ Everybody understands the impact of this game, and we’re excited to move on to this one.”
Unless the pass protection improves against an Indianapolis defense that’s allowed 17 or fewer points in four games, including back-to-back victories over the Titans and Dolphins, the Texans are going to have to rely heavily on the running game.
The Texans need another 100-yard game from Mixon. He wasn’t the issue at Lambeau Field. While the offensive line and tight ends struggled with stunts and blitzes, Mixon capitalized on good run blocking with 25 carries for 115 yards (4.6 average) and two touchdowns.
Overall, Bobby Slowik’s offense generated 142 yards rushing and 4.3 a carry. With the linemen clearing holes for Mixon, he contributed four double-digit runs of 32, 10, 17 and 12 yards.
“When it came to the running game, I felt like our guys did a good job of getting good hat placement — hat on a hat,” Ryans said. “We had a couple of well-executed, well-blocked plays. I (showed) our guys (blockers) when we do it right and we’re on the guy we’re supposed to be on and hand the ball to Joe, he’s going to make some impact plays happen for us.”
With quarterback C.J. Stroud getting constant pressure from the Packers’ pass rush, including four sacks and seven knockdowns, and finishing with 10-of-21 for 86 yards and a 58.8 rating, running the ball effectively became imperative.
On Sunday, the offense needs that same kind of production from Mixon and his run blockers.
“Everybody thrives off the momentum that Joe’s able to create with his run style,” Ryans said. “His playmaking ability is huge for our team. His mentality – how he runs the ball – really gives us a chance.