Ryan Mallett is preparing to make his first start of his NFL career this weekend and will need all of the help he can get to be successful. The Houston Texans have pinpointed the quarterback position to being a main reason for their struggles on the season which is why Ryan Fitzpatrick has been benched in favor of the backup. With two of the best wide receivers in the league to throw the ball to, the ground game will be critical for the offense and Arian Foster should be available to help.
Foster was not seen during practice on Wednesday, but the running back confirmed that his plan was to play on Sunday. The running back was ruled day-to-day after injuring his groin in Week Nine of the season. Foster told the Houston Chronicle that the plan was to keep working out and be healthy when the Texans take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 11. The running back's status is one to watch because if active, the Texans stand a good chance at upsetting the Browns who currently lead their division.
If there is a weakness with the Browns, it is their run defense. Cleveland has given up more yards on the ground while their elite secondary makes passing difficult on the opponent. Having Foster in the backfield would make Mallett's life a lot easier. The running back has 822 yards on the season through nine games which ranks him just behind DeMarco Murray. He would be going up against a Cleveland team allowing 134 yards on the ground per game. He would take a lot of pressure off Mallett to make all of the throws.
The Texans have all the confidence in the world that Mallett can be successful as a starter. Houston traded for the quarterback just prior to the season beginning and they are hoping the investment pays off with a win on Sunday. Wide receiver Andre Johnson said that it does not matter who is under center as long as everyone does their job.
"We all have to play a part in it," Johnson said, via FOX Sports. "It's not just him. Whoever is at quarterback, ti doesn't matter. We all have to go out and do our jobs."
