Woody Marks Powers Texans Past Steelers in Breakout Playoff Performance
When the lights were brightest and the stakes at their highest, rookie running back Woody Marks didn’t just show up - he took over. In a dominant 30-6 Wild Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Marks delivered a statement performance that not only helped the Houston Texans advance to the Divisional Round, but also put the rest of the league on notice.
Facing a Pittsburgh defense known for its physicality and playoff pedigree, the fourth-round pick out of USC ran with purpose - and power. Marks racked up a career-high 112 yards on 19 carries, punching in a touchdown and consistently keeping the chains moving.
It wasn’t just about the numbers - it was how he got them. Marks ran through contact, bounced off would-be tacklers, and showed the kind of vision and burst that made him a draft steal.
And he did it all with the confidence of a veteran. Asked earlier in the week if he was ready for the moment, Marks didn’t hesitate: “I’m built for it.
I’m built for everything,” he said. “Whenever my time comes, I am going to show up.”
He did more than show up - he led.
According to Next Gen Stats, Marks gained 56 of his 112 yards before contact - the most by any Texans rusher this season and the third-most in the last five years. That’s not just a testament to his decisiveness and acceleration, but also to the work done up front by Houston’s offensive line, which quietly had one of its best games of the year.
A big part of that success was fellow rookie Aireontae Ersery, who helped pave the way for a Texans ground game that piled up 164 yards on 31 carries. Ersery, who’s been a steady presence all season, had nothing but praise for his backfield partner.
“I go up to Woody and tell him all the time, ‘You got this dawg,’” said Ersery. “You are Woody Marks, do what you do, and we got you up front, and he does what he does. He is young, and his future is very bright.”
Marks’ performance wasn’t just impressive - it was historic. He became only the third player in Texans franchise history to rush for 100+ yards in a playoff game, joining Arian Foster and Joe Mixon.
He also became the first rookie to hit the 100-yard mark with a rushing touchdown in a postseason game since Cam Akers in 2021. That’s elite company, and it’s a sign that the Texans may have found something special in their young back.
What made the performance even more impactful was how it changed the complexion of the game. With Marks setting the tone on the ground, Houston averaged just 5.5 yards to go on third down - their best mark of the season. That kind of efficiency kept the Steelers’ vaunted pass rush off balance and allowed the Texans to control the tempo from start to finish.
After the game, head coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t need to say much. His team had done the talking on the field - and none louder than Marks.
“It just felt good to get the win,” Marks said quietly at his locker, letting his play speak volumes.
Now, with a trip to the Divisional Round to face the New England Patriots on deck, the Texans are riding high - and riding behind a rookie who’s proving he’s not just built for the moment, but built for January football.