Dameon Pierce 'Contagious Energy' Moves Houston Texans at Training Camp
Given that the Houston Texans have had four different coaches and won just 11 games over the last three seasons, it will take new coach DeMeco Ryans time to install his culture. But Ryans seems to have inherited at least one piece in second-year running back Dameon Pierce that he believes will be key as he tries to turn the Texans into a competent organization.
Ryans raved this week both about how Pierce looks as a player as he prepares for this season, and what his presence in the building brings to the organization every day.
“Yeah, Dameon has been having a really great off season, from OTA’s even until now, he looks great, in shape, and every time he touches the ball, you see the speed, you see the physicality," Ryans said. "I know we don’t have pads on, but you can see the mindset that Dameon runs with, and I love that mindset. That’s what we’re going to need, and I’m encouraged to see his progress in year two.
"He’s doing an excellent job, and I think I love Dameon just because his personality is great," Ryans continued. "He brings a lot of energy each and every day, always has a smile on his face, always excited, and always enthusiastic about practice, so he has that contagious energy that I love to be around.”
A fourth-round pick out of Florida in the 2022 NFL Draft, Pierce quickly established himself as the team's top running back in his first summer with the team. He wound up being one of the few bright spots on 3-13-1 Texans team, rushing for 939 yards in 13 games in his rookie season.
While the Texans remain very much a work in progress, Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio have improved the talent that new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik will have to work with quite a bit over what Houston had a year ago.
In addition to Pierce, the Texans signed veteran running back Devin Singletary to a one-year deal in the offseason, which should give them a nice change-of-pace option in the rushing game. Tight end Dalton Schultz was signed away from the Dallas Cowboys. Veteran receiver Robert Woods will join an otherwise young receiving corps with Nico Collins, John Metchie III and Tank Dell. And, of course, former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud was selected by the Texans with the No. 2 overall pick.
In a loaded AFC, the Texans probably don't have a path to the postseason in 2023. But with Pierce as part of a budding young core, Houston may not be as far away from relevance as some perceive them to be.
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