Montgomery’s addition comes after the team faced injury setbacks and inconsistent production from other backs in recent seasons. Joe Mixon’s injury absence and fluctuations from Nick Chubb and Woody Marks created a gap in the running game that Houston is hoping Montgomery can fill. With the veteran back’s physical style and steady production, the Texans are hoping to establish a more formidable one-two punch in the backfield, pairing Montgomery with second-year pro Woody Marks to create a versatile and durable rushing duo.
Montgomery, 29, entered the league as a third-round pick with the Chicago Bears in 2019 and spent the last few seasons as Detroit’s primary power option. Across his time with the Lions, he accumulated substantial production, posting thousands of rushing yards and dozens of touchdowns on a heavy workload. In his most recent season, Montgomery rushed for over 1,000 yards, demonstrating the ability to carry a heavy rushing load when asked. His career totals include more than 8,000 rushing yards and a range of contributions as a receiver and scorer, highlighting his value as a versatile back who can contribute in multiple ways.
The Texans’ plan appears to be to build a more robust run game to take some pressure off Stroud and to create more balanced offensive sets. Houston ranked 22nd in rushing yards last season and was mid-pack in rushing attempts, revealing room for improvement in their rushing efficiency and volume. The offseason moves indicate a clear intent to lean more on the ground game, building a more complete offense around Stroud. In addition to Montgomery, Houston spent picks and signings that underscore their commitment to improving the run game and overall blocking, which should help open lanes and simplify play-calling for Stroud.
A developing ground game can have a cascading effect on the offense. A stronger rushing attack can help Stroud by establishing play-action opportunities, keeping defenses honest, and reducing the frequency of predictable passing downs. The collaboration between Montgomery and Marks gives the Texans a potentially dynamic duo that can wear down defenses and create more favorable situations for play-action passes and targeted throws to top receiving weapons. The plan also involves expanding a supporting cast at the skill positions, with expectations that wideouts and tight ends can contribute more consistently as the running game improves.
Despite optimism about the improved rushing attack, there are considerations to monitor. The Texans are counting on a relatively small group of primary contributors to shoulder a larger share of the offensive workload. The health of Montgomery, Marks, and returning receivers will be crucial. In particular, it will be important to see if Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Jayden Higgins can elevate their production to complement the improved rushing attack. Additionally, the team would benefit from depth and reliability at tight end and offensive tackle to sustain long-term success in both the running and passing games.
There is also a strategic question about how aggressively Houston will pursue additional playmakers in free agency or through the draft to diversify the offensive weapons beyond the core group. Adding another proven playmaker could provide a more diversified attack, preventing defenses from focusing too heavily on a single approach and allowing Stroud to work with a broader array of targets.
From a coaching and development perspective, the Texans’ approach hinges on how well Stroud adapts to a more balanced offense. A productive ground game can unlock more favorable matchups for Stroud, helping him regain momentum if his previous seasons showed room for improvement. The key will be the synergy between Montgomery’s power running style and Marks’ versatility, along with the offensive line’s ability to create running lanes and protect the quarterback in passing downs.
In summary, the Texans are betting on a stronger rushing foundation as a cornerstone of their strategy to optimize C.J. Stroud’s development and push toward a more competitive offense. David Montgomery is positioned to be a central figure in this transformation, bringing veteran experience, physicality, and a proven ability to produce on the ground. If the rushing attack materializes into a consistent threat, it could elevate the Texans’ overall performance and bring meaningful progress toward their goals for the upcoming season.
