Texans' running game a 'highlight' vs. Raiders

Stonewalled frequently against the top-ranked defense in the NFL, the Texans' running game came alive against an actual opponent.

Texans running backs David Montgomery and Woody Marks delivered an impressive performance during a joint practice against the Las Vegas Raiders.

There were bigger holes to run through. And both Montgomery, the starter, and Marks ran physically with an excellent pad level.

Montgomery ran for one first down off a seal block from rookie tight end Marlin Klein and had another run for a first down. Marks rushed for a touchdown in a red-zone drill. Marks also caught a touchdown pass.

It was an obvious step forward for a running game often stuck in neutral against their own defense.

"I really liked the way we ran the football," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "I thought we stuck well onto our blocks and we finished well. Our running backs, they were the highlight of the day for me. The way they ran the ball physically, low pad level, really finishing runs. They did a really nice job."

The Texans are looking to establish a downhill, punishing running game. It's difficult to do that when the running backs are getting stuffed for tackles for losses against the defense as soon as they get the football.

This was a different dynamic, though.

"The flow of the practice dictated that," Ryans said. "I didn't come in expecting one thing from any particular group. We put the ball down, lined up and we win and guys just truly just got after it. It was cool to see those guys. The way they ran the football in a physical manner, that's what I liked the best."

A starter last season as a rookie, Marks has shown improvement throughout camp and the off-season. He had a long kickoff return Tuesday and trucked a Raiders defender.

"Woody has shown confidence back since OTAs, seeing him running the football, looking faster, quicker, but also in the passing game, excelling," Ryans said. "He is very defined at the top of his routes, which is cool to see. He's a tough cover because he's so quick. He can beat you deep and also beat you underneath as well. He's done a really great job."

Sharp day for Stroud

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, with the exception of one throw he'd like to have back, had a crisp day against the Raiders defense.

He threw touchdown passes to tight end Dalton Schultz and running back Woody Marks.

He showed his superior timing with Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins.

He was intercepted once by Raiders linebacker Quay Walker on a pass where he could have led Marks better. Walker celebrated the interception by spiking the football near Marks, drawing a penalty flag and boos. He flipped off the Texans' fans.

“I thought it went great," Stroud said. "I thought we made a lot of plays. Of course, all our mistakes, you can clean up. But I thought we moved the ball very well, ran the ball great, threw the ball great, took care of it for the most part. At the end, I have to do better there, but I think overall, we had a really good day.”

On his touchdown pass to Marks, Stroud recovered the football after mishandling a low snap from center Jake Andrews.

A former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud has drawn praise throughout the offseason for his dedication to improvement following a rocky playoffs that included a career-high four interceptions in a divisional round loss to the New England Patriots.

"I thought C.J. did really well," Ryans said. "Some really nice plays all day. Really great decisions again. The same thing he's been doing all camp. So, proud of just his competitive spirit as well. When he was out there, he started barking back and forth. Yeah, he's doing that, but he's still holding his composure and making plays as well. So, I'm proud of the work that C.J. did."

The Texans were working against a lot of five down lineman alignments.

"We got some different looks when it came to the pressures that they were presenting to us," Ryans said. "They got us a couple of times on some pressures and we picked up the others. I'd say It was about 50-50 on the pressures, but I like the way our offensive line battled, picked up the twist games, the stunts. They really battled and finished, allowing C.J.to step up in the pocket to deliver the ball downfield."

The overall work against the Raiders left Ryans encouraged by how the Texans competed heading into a Thursday night preseason game against them at Reliant Stadium. The Texans plan to play their starters for at least a few series Thursday.

"It was a really great opportunity," Ryans said. "We've been looking forward to the joint practice versus the Raiders. It was a really good day. Both sides are really competitive football, physical football. Both sides making plays, so a lot of positives from us on both sides. Also a lot to learn, a lot to clean up as well. We got out of the joint practice right now exactly what we wanted. Really good competitive work, different schemes to go against different players. It was really great work, so proud of the guys for today."

The tenor of practice was controlled.

There was one brief skirmish between Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby and Texans rookie center Keylan Rutledge.

"It was a much needed day for us to go against someone else," Ryans said. "I thought, for the most part, it was a pretty solid practice. I mean, the tempers flaring. We had probably one little dust-up, but we resolved that very quickly and guys got back to work.

"Everybody's a true professional here. Their side of the ball, our side of the ball. Everybody worked as professionals. We did practice the right way, exactly how we orchestrated it. We didn't have any fights or anything today. I’m proud to come out of a joint practice without having any fights.

NOTES: Texans nickel Jalen Pitre intercepted Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, returning the errant throw for a touchdown.

Pro Bowl cornerback Kamari Lassiter intercepted Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins at the end of the practice for a touchdown of his own. ... The Texans held their own for the most part against Crosby, one of the toughest blocking assignments in the NFL. There were penalties assessed to Braden Smith, Trent Brown and Blake Fisher. The Texans had Wyatt Teller play right guard and left guard, used Evan Brown and Jake Andrews at center and Rutledge at left guard as they try to build in flexibility across the line. "Evan's done a great job being versatile," Ryans said. "Starting at the center position, he does a great job communicating. Then he can also bump over to play either guard spot. Very versatile guy. You need a guy like that when you only have eight guys on game day. You need a guy like that who can be versatile and Evan has shown that he can do that for us. Excited to see where he continues to grow." Fisher had some solid moments against Crosby. "Blake did a nice job," Ryans said. "Crosby is a really great player, gave us some tough looks. The thing about Crosby is he stays after it. He's not just going to go one rush and just stop. He has great effort. He plays with great effort, so you have to strain, you have to finish at the tackle position and our tackles did a good job today." ... The talent on the field at defensive end was stellar. Between Crosby's relentless presence and Texans star defensive ends Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, the play at the line of scrimmage was a standout. "I have a ton of respect for Maxx and Maxx is a big bro," Anderson said. "Him and I talk a bunch, all the time and he's been really great for me. I know he's over there, but, for me, I'm also worried about the tackles and who I'm going against. We'll catch up after practice and see how it went. A ton of respect for Maxx. He's an awesome player in this league, one of the top guys in this league. I look up to him. Danielle and I at the front, we always say when we get in that three-point stance, I look down at the ball and I see Danielle over there, it just gives me so much confidence because I know I'm out there with my dog." ... Rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald was stout at the point of attack. He's improved his conditioning a lot since the spring. "I've been really pleased with him," Anderson said. "He's grown a lot over these last couple of months. Has his body in good shape. His mindset's getting there. He's been leaning on us big time. He's been learning the system. He's been good, taking care of his body. We told him we need you. You're going to be playing a lot for us. He's taking that as a challenge. He's gotten better every single practice. Every practice we watch, he's taking that step of becoming exactly who we need him to be on this defense." ... Raiders starting quarterback Kirk Cousins wasn't happy with the Texans' defense touching his arm during the practice. Cousins told the defense to observe the no-contact rule against the quarterback. He was sacked multiple times by Hunter, Anderson and Logan Hall. ... Raiders standout tight end Brock Bowers got behind safety Reed Blankenship for a touchdown catch. He also beat safety Calen Bullock for a long reception. ... Gary Kubiak, the former Texans coach, attended the practice wearing Raiders black. His son, Klint Kubiak, is the Raiders new head coach. Tom Brady, the Raiders minority owner, attended the practice, too, spending time with Texans offensive coordinator and former New England Patritos assistant coach Nick Caley. Ryans and the Kubiak family go back a long time. "It was real easy working with Klint," Ryans said. "I've known Klint since he was a teenager when he was out here with his dad at practices. Known him for a long time. What I love about Klint is, he’s just a really cool, calm, quiet spirit. A guy who loves the Lord. He's a great family guy. So, it's really cool talking to him, catching up. It was easy to schedule practice. Very like-minded in our approach to the game. I really appreciate him and the Raiders organization for the way we handled practice today." ... The Texans were impressed with Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick in the draft. Mendoza throws the football very smoothly. "A ton of respect for him," Anderson said. "I loved his energy, I loved the way he was cheering his offensive line on and cheering his team on. He's going to be a really great quarterback in this league?" Added Stroud, a former second overall pick from Ohio State on the Raiders' national championship quarterback from Indiana: “I think he's a good player. I think he'll have a lot of success in the league if he continues to be himself and put God first. Of course, what they put around him matters. I think he has a great coach and a great play caller, so I think he'll do well.” ... The Texans see a lot of progress from rookie tight end Marlin Klein, a second-round draft pick from Michigan. “He's getting better," Stroud said. "I think he's somebody who is very raw, somebody who is very talented, but needs a lot of just work with just his mental. I think he's taking that step. I'm proud of him. He's been working his tail off at it. When he knows what he's doing, he's really good at it.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL insider for KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790. His YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronWilsonSport

Chris Gordy