How Will Texans' Revamped Offense Impact RB Dameon Pierce?
The Houston Texans selected running back Dameon Pierce with the 107th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft as a depth piece as Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead were ahead of him.
However, the fourth-rounder had other plans as he shined during OTAs and training camp. The former third-string RB climbed all the way to the top and became the Week 1 starter.
The Texans' air attack was subpar in 2022 as quarterback Davis Mills threw 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions—tied for the most in the NFL. The wide receiver room didn't have a standout player either as Brandin Cooks led the team with just 57 receptions and 699 yards.
Pierce was Houston's main offensive catalyst as he finished his rookie season with the eighth-most rushing yards per game (72.2) in the league, despite average 4.3 yards per carry (30th in the league).
Pierce's high numbers appeared when he was met with an opponent attempting to bring him down.
Pierce finished his rookie campaign fifth in yards after contact (506), fourth in broken tackles (27) and he broke a tackle every eight rushing attempts (second-best in the NFL). He was one of just three players in the NFL to average more yards after contact (2.3) than before it (2.0). The only reason Pierce wasn't higher in these categories is because he was sidelined in the final four games of the season due to a foot injury.
Now entering year two, Pierce is eager to improve.
"I just want to be a difference on the field when you see me play," Pierce said. "In terms of my development, my maturity on the field, and I just want to be a better ball player than I was last year. I just want to keep improving and keep climbing."
Pass-blocking was one of Pierce's minuscule list of shortcomings last season, and according to running back's coach Danny Barrett, he's already improving in that area.
"He can now see the big picture and can identify things quicker to get to his pickups," Barrett said. "That's going to help us out tremendously. When he is in the game, teams think we are going to just run the football. But his ability to pass protect, he understands what is needed in our passing game from him.
The Texans aided their passing game in the offseason, by selecting Ohio State quarterback No. 2 overall in April. Stroud is known for his strong arm and accuracy at all three levels of the gridiron. Brandin Cooks was traded to the Cowboys, but they signed receiver Robert Woods to replace him.
Additionally, receiver John Metchie III is expected to make his NFL debut this season after being sidelined all of his rookie campaign after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. They also landed Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz, who PFF ranks in the top 10 among his position. This revamped air attack should put less pressure on Pierce.
Houston also signed Bills RB Devin Singletary this off-season. However, he's expected to be the Texans' definitive backup and Pierce probably won't have to split carries with him.
If Pierce sticks to the same formula he used last season, he'll only continue to improve from here on out. The angry runner has the potential to finish in the top 10 in rushing yards this season.
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