"The Texans are in better shape at running back than any position on the team.

Running back is their strongest and deepest position with Arian Foster, Ben Tate and Derrick Ward.

Add fullbacks Lawrence Vickers and James Casey, both of whom did a terrific job as lead blockers, and it's no surprise the Texans ranked second in the NFL in rushing.

Foster (1,224 yards) and Tate (942) came close to becoming only the seventh pair on the same team to reach triple digits since 1970.

The Texans averaged 153 rushing yards per game. The only reason Denver ranked first with 156 is because of quarterback Tim Tebow.

If Foster had not missed almost four games, it's safe to say the Texans would have ranked ahead of the Broncos.

"What we do offensively always starts with the run," coach Gary Kubiak said. "It's part of what we do and something we're going to stay committed to."

There are questions about the position, though.

Foster, 25, a restricted free agent, is supposed to get a new contract. The Texans want to sign him to a long-term deal because he earned it. But wanting to get a deal done doesn't mean it will happen.

The Texans have little room under the salary cap, which isn't expected to increase much over last season's $120 million."