Running with vision, burst and power, fourth-round pick Dameon Pierce was the best running back for the Houston Texans in their first preseason game of 2022.
With an efficient stat line of five carries for 49 yards, Pierce averaged 9.8 yards per carry, which led all RBs in the first week of preseason (minimum five carries). Additionally, PFF calculated that a staggering 86% of Pierce’s yardage came after contact.
Head coach Lovie Smith liked what he saw out of Pierce, complimenting his all-around skillset and NFL ready game.
“He can run with power,” Smith said. “He can make you miss. He can cut on a dime. Catch the ball. There are some things that he can do well that you’d expect a good running back in the NFL to do.”
It will be pivotal for Houston to improve on their league-worst rushing offense from the past 2021 season and Pierce appears to provide more efficiency than Houston received out of their previous running backs.
For a film breakdown on the run concepts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton called, and how Pierce was able to be the most efficient RB in preseason week one, check out Texans Thoughts’ video below.
