Texans rookie RB Pierce helps revamp NFL’s worst run defense – Houston Texans blog

HOUSTON — “D.P. for president.”

Those are the words you need to address. Tytus Howard Left tackle Laremy Tunsil They spoke as they sat side-by-side in their lockers following the ceremony Houston Texans Their first game of the season was won Sunday.

“D.P.” stands for Dameon Pierce — the Texans’ fourth-round pick out of Florida last April who has helped revamp Houston’s rushing attack. Pierce and the defense helped to knock off the Texans (1-3-1). Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3), 13-6.

Pierce ran 99 yards. With the game tied at 6-6 he scored the game-winning touchdown, with 3:11 to go.

Pierce ranks first among rookies for rushing yards (412), and touchdowns (3). But he hasn’t only been one of the top rookie running backs, he’s been one of the best at the position. He’s currently fifth in the NFL in rushing.

With 5:02 remaining on the Jaguars’ 22 yard line, the highlight play of Week 5 was 5:02. After being handed off by quarterback Davis Mills, Pierce shed multiple defenders en route to a 20-yard gain. He ran for 22 yards and broke six tackles to get the Texans down to the 2-yard line. After that, he scored a touchdown a few plays later.

During that big run, Pierce only had one thing on his mind: “Go, country boy, go.”

“It’s all about getting that touchdown,” Pierce said. “I knew they were coming defensively. They were going to rally behind you at some point, so we tried to fight and get to the end zone.”

What was most impressive about Pierce’s performance was during 22 of his 26 carries, he faced a seven- or eight-man box. These 22 carries were tied. New Orleans Saints Running back Alvin Kamara Pierce managed 78 yards despite receiving extra help from the box in Week 5.

Pierce’s early success led Texans receiver Brandin Cooks to proclaim there’s “no question,” in his mind, that his running back is the leader for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Lovie Smith was a different coach.

“It’s a little early,” Smith said with a smile. “He’s a rookie, and he’s playing well. I haven’t seen all of the rookies out there. I just know that our rookie, we’ve loved him from the start. It’s not a bandwagon-type thing. We believed in him and his potential. He’s letting other people kind of see it a little bit.

“Offensive line and guys blocking for him have to do their jobs in order to talk that way. I know that after one quarter of football, we like him. Much more to go, but I like the way he’s trending.”

Pierce is the workhorse of the Texans offensive.

Pierce has been the engine behind a balanced offense over the past three games. He’s averaging 20 carries per game, third-most in the league over that span, while quarterback Davis Mills 20th in the average number of passes.

“Anytime you got a running back who can run the ball the way that he does, it opens up everything for your offense,” Cooks said.

The Texans and the Saints are tied for 22nd place in rushing yards per games (99.2) as they head into Week 6. Los Angeles Chargers They rank 26th in passing yards (192).

Pierce’s average of 4.8 yards per run has helped to boost a rushing offense that was second-last in 2020 (91 yards per match) and last 2021 (83 matches).

“That positive mentality, that he brings to running, that energy that he gives, it’s contagious. He’s never done running,” Cooks said. “Even when it looks a little muddy or whatever the case may be, he’s able to pretty much find a way.”