Arian Foster has a unique history with the Oakland Raiders.
Growing up, the Raiders were his favorite team.
Then, in two games against them at running back, he racked up 273 yards from scrimmage. The list of people who share both those qualities is a short one, perhaps with just his name on it. Foster is looking forward to Sunday.
"It's always fun going into the Black Hole because that's where I wanted to play as a kid," Foster said on Thursday. "I know about how intense the fans are. Win, lose or draw, they're going to be out there in their spiked shoulder pads and their painted faces."
When Foster and the Texans beat the Raiders in 2010's Week 4, he was brilliant. Foster carried 17 times for 133 yards, including a third quarter 74-yard touchdown run that gave the Texans a lead
they'd never relinquish. He also caught three passes that day for 56 yards and a score.
A year later at home, he rushed 22 times for 68 yards, and caught five passes for 116 yards in a loss.
That was with different teammates, in a different offense. Come Sunday, he'll be used differently.
"We have to change up how we're using him every week," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "He's got a new game plan every week. He's a guy that has to touch the ball for us."
On Sunday, the Raiders gave up 212 rushing yards in a road loss to the Jets. Foster toted the rock 27
times during the Week 1 triumph over Washington. O'Brien said that number could rise or fall, depending on this week's plan of attack.
"If one of the things that's important for this team winning in a game is for him to carry the ball 25 to 30 times, 35 times, then that is what we have to do," O'Brien said. "If it's 10 times and maybe he catches more passes in a game, maybe that is what we have to do."
Foster's career-high in carries is 33. He did that in a 231 yard explosion at home against the Colts in the season opener of 2010. He matched that number in a 2011 home victory over the Jaguars, in which he gained 112 yards. In his career, he's logged 30 or more carries six times in the regular season, and once in the playoffs. He rushed 32 times against Cincinnati on January 5, 2013 and he gained 140 yards.
All seven of those games with 30 or more carries were at home. The Texans also won each of those games.
