Texans' Joe Mixon has a chance to make NFL history against the Colts

We are excited about this opportunity. I told our guys, 'You can't get up for this game, so why are you here?' Everyone understands the impact of this game and we're excited to continue with this game.

Unless pass protection improves against an Indianapolis defense that has allowed 17 or fewer points in four games, including two wins over the Titans and Dolphins, the Texans will have to rely heavily on the running game.

The Texans need another 100-yard game from Mixon. He wasn't the problem at Lambeau Field. While the offensive line and tight ends struggled with stunts and blitzes, Mixon took advantage of his good run blocking with 25 carries for 115 yards (4.6 average) and two touchdowns.

Overall, Bobby Slowik's offense generated 142 rushing yards and 4.3 carry yards. While the linemen cleared holes for Mixon, he contributed four double-digit runs of 32, 10, 17 and 12 yards.

“When it came to the running game, I felt like our guys did a good job of getting good hat placement – hat on hat,” Ryans said. “We had some well-executed, well-blocked plays. I (showed) our guys (blockers) when we're doing it right and we're on the guy we're supposed to be on and give the ball to Joe, He's going to make some impactful plays for us.

With quarterback CJ Stroud under constant pressure from the Packers' pass rush, including four sacks and seven knockdowns, finishing 10 of 21 for 86 yards and a 58.8 rating, running the ball became imperative.

On Sunday, the offense needs the same production from Mixon and his run blockers.

“Everyone thrives on the dynamism that Joe creates with his running style,” Ryans said. “His playing skills are enormous for our team. His mentality – the way he runs the ball – really gives us a chance.”