Dameon Pierce Sealed Week 1 Starter Status as Texans Beat 49ers in Preseason
HOUSTON — Dameon Pierce solidified himself as the Houston Texans' starting running back for Week 1 of the 2022 regular season by carrying the offense while on the field.
Pierce recorded 37 yards on six carries during Houston's first offensive drive of the game, which resulted in the first rushing touchdown of his pro career.
The Texans gained 65 yards with Pierce in the backfield. But when coach Lovie Smith elected went with Rex Burkhead on the next drive, the Texans netted seven yards.
"Once you see a little bit from one guy when you have a lot of running backs, you've got to let them all have an opportunity," Smith said following practice on Monday. "We've seen some good things from Dameon, but some good things from the other guys, too."
Pierce's performance in the Texans' 17-0 preseason victory over the San Francisco 49ers not only cemented the starting job in Week 1, but his play during the preseason finale showcased the impact the rookie running back can have this season.
Marlon Mack makes strong case for RB No. 2
If Pierce solidified himself as Houston's starting running back, Marlon Mack made a strong case as to why he should take the lead as a reserve.
Mack, who did not play a down during the first half, gave the Texans more production in their rushing attack than Burkhead. On his second carry of the night, Mack ran for 24 yards to put the Texans on San Francisco's 20.
Mack's carry helped the Texans end their first drive of the second half with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Davis Mills and Chris Moore.
The Texans netted 77 yards on six plays with Mack leading the way. That's compared to 33 yards on 15 plays with Burkhead in the backfield.
Pierce wasn't the only rookie to solidify starting spot
For the third consecutive game, Jalen Pitre showcased why the Texans could open Week 1 with three rookies starting against the Indianapolis Colts.
Pitre established himself as Houston's best defensive back by recording five tackles with four solo hits. Pitre played the entire field, as his performance against the 49ers demonstrated that the rookie from Baylor isn't afraid to make plays in the trenches.
Houston's defense could make up for offensive struggles
The Texans offense did not look good throughout the night, which is concerning given that Houston has struggled moving the ball throughout the preseason.
But as long as the Texans can carry their defensive dominance into the regular season, that could make up for their offensive transgressions.
The Texans defense finished the night with three sacks and two takeaways. Houston's run defense held the 49ers to 51 yards.
QUICK HITS
-Mills played the entire first half and finished with 58 yards while going 6-for-10 with one touchdown.
-Chris Moore led all wide receivers with 35 yards on two catches and a touchdown.
-Veterans Brandin Cooks and Laremy Tunsil did not play.
-Rookie offensive lineman Kenyon Green made his NFL debut and put on a solid performance. The best play of the night for Green took place early in the third quarter when he created a hole on the offensive line that led to Mack's 24-yard gain.
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