The Texans needed to run the ball on Sunday against Indianapolis.
Lamar Miller did just that, and much more, in the overtime victory over the Colts.
Miller carried the ball 24 times for 149 yards, and notched the Texans first touchdown on the ground with his 1-yard score in the middle of the third quarter.
He also caught three passes for 29 yards, the most memorable of which was a zig-zagging 10-yard
touchdown reception that saw him weave through the bulk of the Colts' defense. It came at the 2:37 mark in the ballgame and pulled the Texans to within a touchdown.
"I was just trying to make a play for this team," Miller said. "I knew we were down by two scores, so once Brock got the ball in my hand, I was just trying to make a play."
Osweiler, who signed a free agent deal with the Texans on the same March 10 afternoon as Miller, said the running back was "lights out", and shared about his unique vantage point.
"I think I had the best view in the country to a terrific performance," Osweiler said. "You know, hand it off and watch him do his thing. Lamar made tremendous cuts, tremendous reads."
Left tackle Duane Brown agreed.
"Lamar ran his tail off tonight," Brown said. "We knew it wasn't going to be that easy early on, but we just wanted to keep chipping away at it, and eventually we could break open some big runs, and we were able to do that. He also did some great things in the passing game. That last touchdown he had was an incredible effort."
Miller had 66 yards at the half, and on the night had four runs of 14 yards or more. He, along with Osweiler, attributed a lot of his success to the work of his linemen.
"I think we were just clicking," Miller said. "I think the offensive line, they did a great job of just giving me creases. I was just trying to take advantage of my opportunity. Make plays when my number was called."
It was the first time Miller scored a touchdown on the ground and through the air since he did so on October 25th of last year, against the Texans.
"I think he's one of the best backs in the league," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "I think if you asked around the league, every coach would tell you the same thing. I think the guy has played well and he just played really well tonight."
Check out the best photos from the Texans vs. Colts game.
