When the Texans finally got three-time Pro Bowl blocker Duane Brown back for the fifth game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings, it began making a difference for a once-beleaguered offensive line.
Now that Brown has fully recovered from a torn quadriceps tendon suffered at the end of last season that required surgery, the Texans' run blocking and pass protection have both been upgraded.
The Texans are averaging 121.4 rushing yards per game with a recent uptick now ranking them fifth in the NFL in that category. Although Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler hasn't capitalized much on the protection provided by Brown as he's only been sacked 17 times and hit 56 times and has 11 touchdowns with nine interceptions, he has enjoyed plenty of time to throw.