Texans running back Dameon Pierce went from rookie sensation to unplayable within his first two seasons in three NFL.
Pierce rushed for 939 yards his rookie season, scored five total touchdowns, led all NFL running backs in 2022 with a 28.2% broken-tackle rate and finished inside the top-10 for the most yards after contact per attempt, averaging 3.28.
This offseason, the Texans decided to move on from veteran running back Devin Singletary, who replaced Pierce as the Texans' number one option in the backfield. He started the remaining 10 games of the season after taking over for an injured Pierce ahead of week nine last season.
Singletary had a career year for the Texans last season, rushing for 898 yards on 216 attempts, but signed a three-year $16.5 million contract with the New York Giants in March.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio swung a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals for veteran running back Joe Mixon in March and all it took was a 2024 seventh-round draft choice. Mixon, 27, was given a three-year $27 million extension days later.
For Pierce, who struggled mightily to grasp the new offense last season under offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, averaging just 2.87 yards per attempt in 14 games, the former Florida Gator’s days seemed numbered.
However, after an offseason dedication in finding his fit within the offense, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Pierce is poised to have a productive season for the team.
“I see Dameon having a very clear head space as we are out working, and I think that will allow him to have a really productive year this year,” Ryans said. “He has everything it takes to be a really good running back for us and I think him and Joe (Mixon) as a one-two punch, would be very beneficial for us all.”
Those comments left little doubt as to who’s entering camp as the RB2 for the Texans. However, it would behoove the Texans to bring in more competition at running back for Pierce in training camp, as special teams ace Dare Ogunbowale is about as much of a threat for Pierce as Davis Mills is to C.J. Stroud.
Sorry for the stray, Davis.
Meanwhile, the vote of confidence from Ryans shouldn’t be taken lightly. It was evident that Ryans has watched Pierce closely this offseason and appreciates the hustle of the third-year pro on a different level.
Not only has Pierce poured himself into the playbook and film study to better assimilate himself into the offense, but he completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida this offseason.
“What I have seen from Dameon this off season is a guy who has put in the work,” Ryans said. “He has changed his body, he is strong, he has been working out every day of the offseason program. Not only here just working out, but I am also proud of Dameon for him going back and finishing his degree at Florida. So just the complete man, working out as a football player, but also finishing that degree means a lot to him.”
What the Texans saw from Dameon Pierce in his rookie season two years ago is a lot closer to the player he is and can be, rather than the one on display last season. The focus, determination and relentless approach to improving his craft has been the most consistent part of his game.
The Texans believe he’ll be rewarded for his efforts this season.
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