Woody Marks, a rookie running back for the Houston Texans, showcased his exceptional talent in a standout performance during Week 4. In the absence of Joe Mixon, Marks emerged as a key player in the Texans’ 26-0 victory against the Tennessee Titans.
Woody Marks’ Breakout Game
Selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Marks made his mark with an impressive 119 scrimmage yards, the highest for a Texan offensive player this season. He contributed significantly with both a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. His career highs included:
- 17 carries
- 21 overall touches
- 41 offensive snaps
- 50 receiving yards
- 69 rushing yards
- 2 touchdowns
In the locker room, Marks received a flurry of congratulatory texts, reflecting the excitement surrounding his performance. “It was exciting to get rolling on offense,” he said. His effort was recognized by Texans’ head coach DeMeco Ryans, who praised the rookie for sparking excitement offensively.
Key Plays and Contributions
One of the most notable moments came with 5:39 left in the fourth quarter. The Texans faced a third-and-17 situation at the Titans’ 37-yard line. Marks caught a screen pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud and maneuvered through defenders for a crucial first down. On the following play, he rushed 18 yards for a touchdown, capping off the Texans’ shutout victory.
Stroud expressed his admiration for Marks, noting his college career at USC and his elusiveness. “He did a good job in that Lincoln Riley offense,” Stroud remarked. The Texans had struggled with rushing this season, averaging 103.5 yards and ranking 23rd in the league before this game, but they achieved a total of 129 rushing yards against the Titans.
Complimentary Running Styles
Marks shared duties with starting running back Nick Chubb, who contributed 47 rushing yards. Coach Ryans highlighted their contrasting styles; Marks is known for his speed and agility, while Chubb brings consistent power. “They complement each other well,” Ryans stated.
As Marks’ role has expanded from just seven snaps at the season’s start to 41 in Week 4, he is seizing his opportunity amid uncertainty surrounding Mixon’s future with the team. The Texans are set to face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5, who rank 27th against the rush.
With the Ravens dealing with defensive injuries, Marks will have a chance to build on his impressive performance from the previous week. “We’re excited to see how much more he can handle,” Ryans concluded.
