Coach DeMeco Ryans: RB Dameon Pierce 'Fits The Bill' For Texans' Playstyle
HOUSTON — New coach DeMeco Ryans wasted no time orchestrating an offense for the Houston Texans in 2023. During his introductory press conference Thursday afternoon, Ryans stated he envisions running a balanced offense but would like to establish the run game first.
"We want to be able to operate with play action pass," Ryans said. "We also want to be efficient. We want to have explosive playmakers who we can get the ball to. If it's not down the field, we want to be able to throw a check down and put it in the hands of an explosive playmaker and see him create."
The Texans need a No. 2 running back to enhance their backfield play next season. But according to KPRC, Ryans believes he has the perfect running back with rookie standout Dameon Pierce at the helm.
"Dameon fits the bill," Ryans said. "If you want to play great offense in this league and go far in the playoffs, you have to be able to run the ball. You need a guy like Dameon who can carry the load. That’s the type of style I want to play."
Before his season came to an end due to a foot injury, Pierce had rushed for 939 yards on 220 carries through the first 13 games. His best game came during the Texans' 29-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He rushed for a career-best 131 yards on 27 carries.
Pierce restored the Texans' backfield in his first year. And without his services for the final four games, Houston averaged 64.7 yards on the ground to close the season.
"He had an outstanding year," former coach Lovie Smith said. "Anytime you are a rookie, and you get playing time, is saying an awful lot. To be one of the best running backs in football during that rookie year says even more."
"He was everything we’d hoped and wanted him to be. Just excited about his future. He’ll eventually get well and be back in the backfield for us, being our starting tailback."
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