Arian Foster has started four games in his career against the Colts. Based on his numbers in those four contests, he'd gain 2,624 yards if he played them a full NFL season of 16 games.
With 165 yards on 27 carries in Sunday's AFC South-clinching victory, Foster has now gained 656 yards the four times he's suited up against Indianapolis. But when the Texans needed Foster most, he delivered, carrying the ball the final seven offensive plays of the game for 75 yards.
"I think that is the first step to championship football is closing a team out when you need to and when your team needs you to," Foster said of the drive that resulted in a 33-yard Shayne Graham field goal. "Keeping the clock running, that is what we pride ourselves on—the run game."
Before that final flourish by Foster and the offense, 4:45 was left in the game and the Texans held a 26-17 advantage. Seeing his teammate close out the game was something special for wide receiver Andre Johnson.
"It was great," Johnson said. "I went out there and when he got the ball that last time, I was just like 'Hey, run us home.'"
Home has been especially welcoming for Foster against the Colts, as he's gained a combined 396 yards in a pair of games against them at Reliant Stadium. He missed 2011's home game versus Indianapolis and exploded for 231 yards in Week 1 of 2010.
"I think Arian carried the ball, if I'm right, in the top 20s," head coach Gary Kubiak said of Foster's 27 carries. "It seems like when he comes out with that number, he's going to make some plays."
Left tackle Duane Brown took special pride in seeing Foster's big output, and said it was the result of the line's blocking and Foster's want-to.
"For the last month or so we haven't been really consistent running the ball," Brown said. "And he takes pride in what he does. And that's why I really like Arian because he doesn't just run – he runs with heart. We wanted to make a statement, run the ball and make them like it. And that's what we were able to do."
The run game enabled the Texans to win the time of possession battle, as they held the ball for 33:06. It was the 12th time in 2012 they'd accomplished that feat, and they've been victorious 11 times when they've won time of possession.
The potent Texans run game will see an excellent running attack across the field next Sunday at Reliant Stadium, as the NFL's leading rusher in Adrian Peterson comes to town with the Vikings.
