There were plenty of issues with the Houston Texans last season as they stumbled to a losing record of 3-13-1. However, one area in particular was extra rough for the Texans and that was their inability to generate a stable ground game.
Despite rookie running back Dameon Pierce having a breakout season that saw him rush 939 yards and four touchdowns, as a team they only averaged 86.8 yards per game on the ground - which was 31st in the NFL, ahead of only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
To remedy this issue the Texans made sure to address the offensive line this offseason, including a trade for Shaq Mason from the Buccaneers. In an interview with Drew Dougherty for Texans.com, Mason shared his reaction when he learned about the trade.
"I was happy when I found out it was here," Mason said. "It was a happy feeling knowing that I would be here. I knew the system they were going to be running. New coach with a lot of energy. I think it was a perfect fit for me."
"Should be a lot more fun, honestly," Mason said. "I get to run a little more, sprint off the ball. It should be fun. I view myself as an athletic guard so just getting out, running a lot more."
The addition of Mason will likely go a long way in helping the Texans improve in the ground game, and make life easier for new franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud. Not only will Mason improve the ground game for Houston, but he's already helping second-year offensive lineman Kenyon Green.
"Kenyon, he picks my brain a lot," Mason said. "We've been talking. He's been asking me things here and there. I one thing I know is that he cares. That's a big thing coming from a guy that young."
"He cares about his craft. He cares about studying. He doesn't want to mess anything up. That's a lot coming from a young guy."
Improving the rushing attack will be vital for the Texans this season, especially with a rookie quarterback in Stroud at the helm of the offense. Bringing over Mason will certainly help do that in the immediate future, while his ability to mentor Green also sets up the Texans for success in the future as well.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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