As C.J. Stroud enters a pivotal crossroads of his career, the Houston Texans are hoping the version of 2023’s rookie of the year is still found inside the mind of the fourth-year quarterback in 2026.
The best way to help ensure fans see a promising version of the Pro Bowl passer is by elevating the run game. It’s why Houston was aggressive in targeting a proven name on the market who fit second-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s personnel to a T.
No one fit the bill better than David Montgomery, a bruising, hard-hitting runner known for being effective in the red zone. And the Texans are excited to see him in action following the start of OTAs.
“David Montgomery has been an outstanding addition for us when it comes to just his approach to the game. A veteran guy who’s come in and he’s dialed in mentally, physically. He’s in really great shape and takes care of himself. I think he’s really a great addition for Woody [Marks], Jawhar [Jordan], British [Brooks], all the young guys in the room.”
Houston hopes a combination of Stroud and Montgomery in the backfield can get the franchise over the hump and into the AFC Championship conversation. He’ll be 29 next month, but unlike most runners who begin to decline, Montgomery’s body has avoided a slew of hits since he split carries with Jahymr Gibbs in Detroit for the last three seasons, so he’s basically in the body of a 27-year-old.
Montgomery, who previously spent time with the Lions and Chicago Bears, might never be the bell cow back who took over games in 2019 and 2023, but he can be a reliable chain mover, especially in the red zone. Houston has struggled to score near the goal line over the past three seasons. Montgomery has scored 13 touchdowns from inside the 10 during that span.
“You see a guy of his caliber and what he’s been able to accomplish in the league, there’s a lot to learn from, a lot for him to share with those guys,” Ryans said. “I see that room has improved drastically by adding David to our team.”
The Texans believe in Montgomery as a lead back. After averaging less than 4.0 yards per carry last season, he’ll need to be a difference-maker that can alleviate pressure on long-standing drive.
That seemed to be a missing element for offense last season, thus leading to more pressure for Stroud to deliver. Even at 80%, Montgomery’s impact would have elevated Houston’s offense a season ago.
Now here, it’s all about building around Stroud to make sure he doesn’t play hero ball.
“I’m very excited to have them and I think we’re trending up, we’re getting better and we’re attacking a lot of the things that we need to,” Stroud said. “Those guys are doing nothing but just adding to it.”
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans excited to see future of the offense with David Montgomery as RB1
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
