Arian Foster Has A Good Chance To Finish In The Top-5 In 2011 Rushing Yards, So Says History

Any good Houston fan has high expectations for Texans running back Arian Foster. Even after an incredible 2010 NFL Season where he ran his way onto the All-Pro team, there are fans who think Foster won't pull a Slaton and regress after an incredible campaign. In fact, I have already gone on record and said that I expect no drop-off. Earlier today, ESPN.com gave us some historical context to support the fans who are buying what Foster is selling.

According to Ernest Tolden of ESPN Stats & Information, via ESPN.com's AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky, Foster is the 8th player (and the 11th instance) to lead the NFL in rushing in his first or second season. Aside from injury shortened seasons to 1982 George Rogers, 1983 Freeman McNeil, and 2001 Edgerrin James, there were three repeat rushing champions while the other four seasons ended with the defending rushing champion finishing in the top-8 of rushing yards.

Obviously, a big factor to Foster's attempt to make it eight top-8 rushers in 11 attempts will be what the Texans do with free agent All-Pro fullback Vonta Leach. Still, this is a good sign for Foster, those who select him in fantasy football, and the desperately-seeking-a-playoff-birth Texans.