Other than a few timely scrambles from quarterback Deshaun Watson despite an apparent right ankle injury, the Texans' running game was stonewalled by the Buccaneers.
ON TEXAS SPORTS NATION: John McClain's Texans vs. Buccaneers report card
The Texans won the game and clinched the AFC South division title and an automatic playoff berth, but they experienced extremely tough sledding against a stout Buccaneers defense ranked first in the NFL in run defense.
The Buccaneers built a brick wall the Texans couldn't crumble, holding them to 68 rushing on 26 carries. Carlos Hyde, a 1,000-yard rusher coming off a 100-yard game, gained only 27 yards on 17 carries as Duke Johnson rushed for four yards on two carries.