With Joe Mixon OUT 4+ weeks, please tell the Sharks what the box score is gonna look like on Monday Mornings (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

There''s 2 or 3 possible outcomes and I want to know when we open the USA Today sports section and grab our NFL team pencils to write down the scores, what's it gonna look like?

-Chubb, 20 carries - 100 yds and. TD?

-Pierce 15 carries, 60 yds

-Woody - 12 to 15 touches including 3-5 catches, 60-100 total yds, in PPR he might hit double digits

or None of the above, all 3 will be rendered useless with a pass happy system and no lead RB plus a very suspect OL that won't open many holes for them anyways

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Chubb had one of the lowest yds per carry of any lead RB in the NFL at 3.3
How is that going to improve in 2025?

 

[Jppaul]

why not Pierce?

I don't follow HOU, but some of you who do have been saying for the past two years...

Piece sucks BECAUSE the team changed the scheme, yeah?

I'm pretty sure some of you said they went back to the scheme that works for him at the end of the season and his final game was 19/176 for 9.2 yds/carry. Isn't that scheme the same as his rookie year where he went 220/939 for 4.2 yds/carry 30 catches for 165 yards?

Ogunbowale is 31yo, Chubb is 29, and Marks hasn't taken a regular season snap, so...?

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Muddled mess between Chubb & Pierce, with Woody & Dare mixing in + receiving work.

But…

if someone’s going to catch fire & HOU goes with the hot hand, I’d bet on Woody being that guy. And if they get down in the game as a result, Woody should be their go-to in the receiving game.

Neither Pierce nor Chubb has looked very good this preseason. Woody has looked better than his draft stock.

then again, maybe it’s just a muddled mess like I said in my 1st post & takes a month for HOU to figure out how to manage without Mixon. RBBC from Hell seems most likely.

 

[travdogg]

Chubb had one of the lowest yds per carry of any lead RB in the NFL at 3.3
How is that going to improve in 2025?

He'll be healthier and in a better offense?

I think this is gonna be an ugly committee, and I doubt any RB on this team is more than a middling flex option. If I had to bet on any of them it'd be Chubb because he's done it before and is currently the starter. I also think people think Houston is gonna be better than they are. I think this team isn't gonna make the playoffs, and I'm not sure the OC change solved anything. Slowik had some issues, but he was hardly the biggest one.

Neither Pierce nor Chubb has looked very good this preseason.

Chubb had 5 yards per carry this preseason. Sure, peak Chubb would have had more, but its not like he was bad.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Chubb had 5 yards per carry this preseason. Sure, peak Chubb would have had more, but its not like he was bad

I didn’t see his stats, I just watched him play and it looked like he was running in quicksand. I’m surprised to learn it was that high.

I think this is gonna be an ugly committee

We’re on the same page on this one.

 

[Gally]

For upcoming drafts I will be going after Pierce mainly because his price is a lot cheaper than Chubb. Marks is another target but I may just wait and take whichever lasts longer between Marks and Pierce. Basically let someone else make the wrong decision and then take the leftovers.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Probably something like....

Chubb - 10 car, 18yds
Pierece - 8 car, 20yds
Ogunbawale - 3 car, 12yds, 1 TD
Marks - 2 car, 5yds

 

[rockaction]

Probably something like....

Chubb - 10 car, 18yds
Pierece - 8 car, 20yds
Ogunbawale - 3 car, 12yds, 1 TD
Marks - 2 car, 5yds

Jeez. You're a tough critic. Let me do you one better

Breece Hall 15 car, 85 yds

 

[Major]

I'd avoid this mess unless you're going for a cheap, high upside guy like Marks. Not only is it looking like a true RBBC but I have zero confidence in this OL.

 

[@GregoryLKellogg]

There''s 2 or 3 possible outcomes and I want to know when we open the USA Today sports section and grab our NFL team pencils to write down the scores, what's it gonna look like?

-Chubb, 20 carries - 100 yds and. TD?

-Pierce 15 carries, 60 yds

-Woody - 12 to 15 touches including 3-5 catches, 60-100 total yds, in PPR he might hit double digits

or None of the above, all 3 will be rendered useless with a pass happy system and no lead RB plus a very suspect OL that won't open many holes for them anyways

I like Chubb but camp reports are that he looks slow so I invested in Woody Marks late in drafts hoping for a late round surprise.

 

[Harjiran]

Nick Chubb Preseason v Carolina - for what it's worth, when watching these clips I don't see someone who is slow or running in quicksand - Chubb is getting to the line of scrimmage quickly, finding the hole and plowing ahead, maybe making a cut or two, or just moving the pile a little a la Brian Robinson. What I'm not seeing are the explosive bursts to the second level, the sheer power or the top end speed of classic Nick Chubb circa 2018-2022. No doubt he's not what he used to be, but is he good enough to grind out 15-20 carries for 75-80 yards and maybe a TD? My eyes say yes, if that OL can open holes for him - he has a little something left in the tank but the big question is durability. I'd hate to see him get hurt again - kinda hoping for a decent, injury-free year and then he can ride off into the sunset as Woody takes over the backfield. But I also wouldn't be surprised if he amasses 250 carries for 1,000 yards and 8-10 TDs this year, assuming Mixon is done.

 

[Hoh]

I think Christian Kirk just got very interesting in PPR

 

[FarFromHome]

I think Christian Kirk just got very interesting in PPR

Do u say that cause Chubb isn't a receiving threat, which would result in Kirk getting more of those shorter targets?

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I think Christian Kirk just got very interesting in PPR

I’ve been drafting him everywhere.

 

[Chaka]

Nick Chubb: Comeback player of the year.

 

[Ray_T]

I didn’t see his stats, I just watched him play and it looked like he was running in quicksand. I’m surprised to learn it was that high.

I agree. I admit my sample size in terms of the number of runs I saw was small, but the plays I did see him carry the rock.....He did not look good at all.

I have a sneaky suspicion that he may actually be done. I hate saying this cuz I am a fan, but the reality is.... the pool of players who recover from a second ACL surgery to be productive is not that large. The odds are seriously against him.

I'm fully willing to say the sample size of what I saw was likely too small to make a real proper judgement. I fully admit that. Maybe I just caught him on a bad day. it happens.

but I'm not wrong about the double ACL surgery. Typically that is bad news for any player. And hes at an age where a full recovery is far from guaranteed.

 

[msudaisy26]

I'd avoid this mess unless you're going for a cheap, high upside guy like Marks. Not only is it looking like a true RBBC but I have zero confidence in this OL.

This is where I am at unless it is best ball. I think Chubb could have a couple random spike weeks where he gets 100 and a td or even 70 total yards and 2 tds. Good luck on guessing when that will be though.

 

[dmac37]

I'm team Pierce as a very late/free flyer. The key to Pierce is the change to the power gap run scheme, this is the same system the Texans ran during Pierce's rookie season. They actually switched to that scheme later last year, the one game Pierce got touches he ran for 176 yards.

 

[Major]

I'm all in on Team Woody especially in keepers. Has the potential to be Shady McCoyish. I really like the way he has looked out of the backfield especially on short yardage pass plays. I could easily seeing him be a 5/20 rush, 6/50 pass guy with TDs sprinkled throughout.

 

[Jppaul]

I'm team Pierce as a very late/free flyer. The key to Pierce is the change to the power gap run scheme, this is the same system the Texans ran during Pierce's rookie season. They actually switched to that scheme later last year, the one game Pierce got touches he ran for 176 yards.

this has been mentioned multiple times, so why are people still down on Pierce?

for anyone down on Pierce? Have you not read such stuff or you have and are still down on him? If down, can you share why?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'm all in on Team Woody especially in keepers. Has the potential to be Shady McCoyish. I really like the way he has looked out of the backfield especially on short yardage pass plays. I could easily seeing him be a 5/20 rush, 6/50 pass guy with TDs sprinkled throughout.

I would say the high water mark for projections on receptions for Woody rookie year is somewhere in the 50-65 range, not 100+
And he has to prove he can handle blitz pick up and not just run wheel routes or routes into the flat on 3rd down.
I do not think he can handle a heavy load between the Tackles right now. He was not used as a bell cow in college
I also like his upside vs others, I just don't know how much of the rushing workload he can handle

 

[@GregoryLKellogg]

I'm team Pierce as a very late/free flyer. The key to Pierce is the change to the power gap run scheme, this is the same system the Texans ran during Pierce's rookie season. They actually switched to that scheme later last year, the one game Pierce got touches he ran for 176 yards.

I’m leaning Woody Marks here.

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[Hot Sauce Guy]

for anyone down on Pierce? Have you not read such stuff or you have and are still down on him? If down, can you share why?

I’m down on Pierce because he’s always got a Q next to his name, and when he’s played he hasn’t looked very good. Outside of that one awesome game in week 18 with neither team playing for anything, buoyed by a 90+ yard TD against a defense that looked like they had better things to do.

And I roster Pierce in 2 dynasty leagues. One where I have Marks & Mixon. Nothing would make me happier than a Pierce comeback season. I’m not optimistic at all.

 

[JoeSteeler]

Woody and Chubb in the same backfield

 

[Sarlakticacid]

Woody and Chubb in the same backfield

How has this only just been pointed out?

With Pierce thrust into the lineup they could run the “Trident”

 

[Deamon]

Woody and Chubb in the same backfield

And once CJGJ is healthy, they'll have a Johnson on the field too.

 

[Major]

Woody and Chubb in the same backfield

rBBC?

 

[Ray_T]

for anyone down on Pierce? Have you not read such stuff or you have and are still down on him? If down, can you share why?

I’m down on Pierce because he’s always got a Q next to his name, and when he’s played he hasn’t looked very good. Outside of that one awesome game in week 18 with neither team playing for anything, buoyed by a 90+ yard TD against a defense that looked like they had better things to do.

And I roster Pierce in 2 dynasty leagues. One where I have Marks & Mixon. Nothing would make me happier than a Pierce comeback season. I’m not optimistic at all.

honestly, hes a fill in until mixon returns. and only after Chubb shows he cant cut it. (I'm pretty sure he will give the benefit of the doubt to Chubb in game 1 just because of history and reputation)
but once he shows hes not getting the job done, Pierce will be in. but its likely only a 3 game stint. maybe 4 or 5 if Mixon is slow coming back from his injury.

and it may actually be a committee too. with him and Chubb both splitting carries. that likely kills the value of both. My recommendation is you likely need one of them if you have Mixon. but its not a clear cut decision.

 

[dmac37]

for anyone down on Pierce? Have you not read such stuff or you have and are still down on him? If down, can you share why?

I’m down on Pierce because he’s always got a Q next to his name, and when he’s played he hasn’t looked very good. Outside of that one awesome game in week 18 with neither team playing for anything, buoyed by a 90+ yard TD against a defense that looked like they had better things to do.

And I roster Pierce in 2 dynasty leagues. One where I have Marks & Mixon. Nothing would make me happier than a Pierce comeback season. I’m not optimistic at all.

He is not going to be a league winner but a great wait and see what happens kind of dart. This is why I feel good about Pierce- The key to Pierce is the change to the power gap run scheme, this is the same system the Texans ran during Pierce's rookie season. They actually switched to that scheme later last year, the one game Pierce got touches he ran for 176 yards.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

They actually switched to that scheme later last year, the one game Pierce got touches he ran for 176 yards.

Respectfully, I’m not sure why folks are hanging their hats on a week 18 game that was meaningless from the jump against a 3-14 Titans team where starters mostly saw the bench.

David Mills got significantly more run than Stroud in this one, and 92 of Pierce’s 176 yards came on one long TD against guys who didn’t look like they were trying very hard to tackle anyone.

It’s a sample size of 1 game, and not a very compelling game at that.

I try not to be the “take away his 92 yard run” guy, and I’m definitely not doing that here. He got the TD. I am definitely going to be the “due to the context of this game, I’m pumping the brakes on drawing any sort of long-term conclusions/projections for Pierce.”

Again, I roster him on multiple squads. I hope you’re right. Just did a 27 round IDP draft and he went undrafted. Chubb, Mixon, & Marks were all taken. Maybe I’ll claim him. Maybe not. That RB room seems… messy.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Woody and Chubb in the same backfield

rBBC?

Congratulations; you have reached the end of the Internet.

 

[MAC_32]

Nick Chubb: Comeback player of the year.

Granted, I am writing this from suburban Cleveland, but I think this is what many are rooting for, but not expecting to happen. That said, I think there's a reason he has a leg-up on the others, and it's probably not because of what he's shown himself. Woody will get package plays (oh man, talking about this backfield with a straight face is gonna be impossible), but he's probably not going to be the all-time 3DRB. Chubb is the lead back, but likely being on a pitch count the other 2 get rotated in more liberally. Where this turns into a committee is if either of them flash early in a game or there's a matchup to exploit.

 

[pghrob]

That the Texans traded away a 2026 3rd round pick to move up to draft him in the 4th round of the 2025 draft (pick 116) before the other runningbacks in the linked to list is a compelling indicator of their interest in him.

That, in addition to the current events of their RB room has my attention.

Every Running Back Drafted in 2025 NFL Draft: Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Cam Skattebo Among RBs Picked

Running backs were in style in the 2025 NFL Draft, with 12 going in the first four rounds. Learn more about all 25 who were selected.

www.profootballnetwork.com

 

[Smack Tripper]

What this means is... Nico Collins 2300 yards

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Where this turns into a committee is if either of them flash early in a game or there's a matchup to exploit

And if/when Mixon comes back.

 

[Smack Tripper]

They actually switched to that scheme later last year, the one game Pierce got touches he ran for 176 yards.

Respectfully, I’m not sure why folks are hanging their hats on a week 18 game that was meaningless from the jump against a 3-14 Titans team where starters mostly saw the bench.

David Mills got significantly more run than Stroud in this one, and 92 of Pierce’s 176 yards came on one long TD against guys who didn’t look like they were trying very hard to tackle anyone.

It’s a sample size of 1 game, and not a very compelling game at that.

I try not to be the “take away his 92 yard run” guy, and I’m definitely not doing that here. He got the TD. I am definitely going to be the “due to the context of this game, I’m pumping the brakes on drawing any sort of long-term conclusions/projections for Pierce.”

Again, I roster him on multiple squads. I hope you’re right. Just did a 27 round IDP draft and he went undrafted. Chubb, Mixon, & Marks were all taken. Maybe I’ll claim him. Maybe not. That RB room seems… messy.

The circumstances of that game are accurate.

However, its not a complete one off for Pierce, he once show us a pretty decent season, scheme has changed and what the one game ultimate small sample size showed us: he still has SOMETHING.

One of the best guys you can roll the dice on post 15th round now which is where he goes. He's got as much of a shot at a role with upside as anyone there with a bit of track record behind him.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

One of the best guys you can roll the dice on post 15th round now which is where he goes. He's got as much of a shot at a role with upside as anyone there with a bit of track record behind him.

Lot of guys with good track records. Anything’s possible. Best of luck.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

@RaidersAreOne

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