Alfred Blue raises his hand to ask a question. The fifth-year running back is not in the meeting room, but in a press conference. He's decided to have some fun with his position coach, Danny Barrett, who is answering questions from local media.
Blue wants to know when Barrett is going to show highlights of his Canadian Football League playing days.
"One of these days I will show you," Barrett said. "You know I'm a type of guy – and I'm going to answer your question because you've been bugging me about this here. The guy doesn't believe that I actually played the game. I've only showed him a few highlights. I want to show him a full game that he can understand, when you play in the Canadian Football League in the years that I played, they don't have access to video like they do now. We'll find it for you though."
The Texans' running back room is having fun.
Currently fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game, Houston is averaging 136.45 yards per game on the ground. Through 12 games, Lamar Miller and Blue have been a tag team in the run game.
"The only way that works is because both guys are unselfish," Barrett said. "I think that's what we look at, they both are team football players first, as far as having success for the team. So, when we sit down and talk with them, as far as how it's going to be divvied up, it's really a feel thing more than anything else. We know Lamar is probably going to go out there first to start the game, and Alfred's ready to go."
Miller has 157 carries for 773 yards and three touchdowns. Blue has 115 attempts for 392 yards and one touchdown. Head coach Bill O'Brien and Barrett manage the pitch count for the running backs, though some of it depends on the flow of the game and how Miller and Blue are feeling.
"We want to make sure we're fresh to finish the drive," Barrett said. "So, sometimes we'll sub during the drive, sometimes we'll let the guys finish the drive off. But, about every third series, we know Alfred's going to go in there so we're fresh to finish the game, and I think that's been the key – to make sure in that fourth quarter that, whoever's on that football field's going to be fresh. Especially this late in the season, fourth quarter's important being able to run the football, and we try to divvy it up like that."
Miller is coming off a performance where he not only set a record for the longest touchdown run in team history (97 yards), he also made league history. The seven-year veteran averaged an eye-popping 13.5 yards per carry, the highest single-game yards per carry in NFL history among players with at least 12 carries in a game.
"We give all the credit to the offensive line," Miller said. "Throughout the course of the week, we just tell them, 'Just get us to the second level.' Once we get there, we just got to take advantage of it and make big plays."
In Monday night's 34-17 win over the Tennessee Titans, Miller averaged 13.5 yards per carry, rushing for 162 yards on just 12 attempts. Blue shouldered the rest of the workload, 13 attempts for 49 yards. The tandem approach to the Texans run game has been working, keeping both backs healthy and productive.
"I think he's been doing a great job," Miller said of Blue. "He's been taking advantage of his opportunity. Me and Blue, we clicked ever since I came here. We stay on each other, make sure we're doing our assignment, make sure we're doing anything to help this team win and I think so far, we've been doing that. We still have room for improvement but every day we're just trying to get better."
The (8-3) Texans will next host the (4-6-1) Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 12 noon CT on CBS and SportsRadio 610.
FILE- In this Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, file photo, Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) gestures during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Houston. Houston went 0-3, yet not has become the first team to win eight straight after such a weak start. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
FILE - In this Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, file photo, Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is pressured by Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) during the second half of an NFL football game in Houston. The Titans need to do something to get the offense moving and keep their quarterback from taking so many hits having allowed the most sacks already this season in the NFL. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
FILE - In this Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, file photo, Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) celebrates after he sacked Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of an NFL football game in Houston. The Titans have backed themselves into a corner with back-to-back losses, and now they need to fix issues on defense and the offensive line quickly to even have a chance to take advantage of playing four of their final five games at home starting Sunday hosting the Jets. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is hit by Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) and inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) on a run during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4)scramble past Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) loses control of the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (87) celebrates his touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (87) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate DeAndre Hopkins (10) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) celebrates after he sacked Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans tight end Jordan Akins (88) is upended by Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) after making a catch during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) is stopped by Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Bennie Logan (96) and linebacker Harold Landry (58) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, center, is stopped by Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) and defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis (33) is stopped by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is pressured by Houston Texans nose tackle Brandon Dunn (92) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (87) pulls in a 12-yard pass for a touchdown over Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (87) celebrates his touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scores on a 15-yard run during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) breaks away from Tennessee Titans defenders for a 97-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) breaks away from Tennessee Titans defenders for a 97-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (87) make a catch against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (87) celebrates his touchdown catch with quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) runs past Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after connecting with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans strong safety Justin Reid (20) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) runs for a 61-yard touchdown after making a catch against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) celebrates his 61-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) celebrates his 61-yard touchdown catch against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans players take part in a tribute to Houston Texans owner Robert "Bob" McNair before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. McNair had battled both leukemia and squamous cell carcinoma in recent years before dying in Houston on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The initials of Houston Texans owner Robert "Bob" McNair are seen of the field at NRG Stadium behind Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt as he warms up for an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. McNair had battled both leukemia and squamous cell carcinoma in recent years before dying in Houston on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up at NRG stadium before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up at NRG stadium before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up at NRG stadium before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up at NRG stadium before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up at NRG stadium before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up at NRG stadium before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up at NRG stadium before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up at NRG stadium before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up at NRG stadium before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up at NRG stadium before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
NRG Stadium his seen before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
NRG stadium before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
A holiday wreath is seen on a statue at NRG stadium before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
A holiday wreath is seen on a statue at NRG stadium before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Fans arrive at NRG stadium before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
A banner hangs on NRG Stadium before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Fans arrive at NRG Stadium before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
A decal with the initials of Houston Texans owner Robert "Bob" McNair are seen on team helmets prior to an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. McNair had battled both leukemia and squamous cell carcinoma in recent years before dying in Houston on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
A decal with the initials of Houston Texans owner Robert "Bob" McNair are seen on team helmets prior to an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. McNair had battled both leukemia and squamous cell carcinoma in recent years before dying in Houston on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
A decal with the initials of Houston Texans owner Robert "Bob" McNair are seen on team helmets prior to an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. McNair had battled both leukemia and squamous cell carcinoma in recent years before dying in Houston on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
A decal with the initials of Houston Texans owner Robert "Bob" McNair is seen on team helmets prior to an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. McNair had battled both leukemia and squamous cell carcinoma in recent years before dying in Houston on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
