Dameon Pierce isn’t exactly the most discussed running back in the NFL, but CJ Stroud has already noticed how much of an asset he is in the backfield. The new Houston Texans quarterback raved about the ball carrier’s style following the final preseason game on Sunday.
Pierce finished Sunday’s game with 30 yards on five carries in Houston’s 17-13 win over the New Orleans Saints. Following the game, Stroud raved about the running back’s play.
“Every single run he was running hard,” Stroud said, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. “That’s what you can expect from him. I think he’s a slept on person who can catch the ball out of the backfield.”
Pierce concluded his rookie season in 2022 with 939 yards on the ground and 165 receiving yards. He accounted for four total touchdowns for the Texans.
A former Florida standout, Pierce was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by Houston. He made a quick impact out of the backfield in his first season with the Texans. With a full year under his belt, there are some bigger expectations for the ball carrier in 2023.
Even though he’s new to the mix, Stroud seems confident in Pierce’s abilities. Could this be the start of a new offensive era in Houston?
Stroud named Texans starter for Week 1
Head coach DeMeco Ryans is handing the keys over to Stroud. Following Sunday’s preseason finale, Ryans named Stroud the team’s Week 1 starter under center.
It’ll be quite a challenge for the No. 2 overall pick, as Houston battles Lamar Jackson’s Ravens team to open up the year. Welcome to the NFL, kid.
Stroud saw action in all three of Houston’s preseason games, though his reps were limited. He completed 2-of-4 passes in the opener against New England, totaling 13 yards and throwing an interception.
Things looked a little better for the rookie out of Ohio State in his second game, completing 7-of-12 passes for 60 yards in a loss to the Miami Dolphins. It wasn’t until his final game of the preseason when he threw a touchdown pass.
Prior to arriving in the NFL, Stroud was twice named the Big Ten Quarterback of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year while at Ohio State. He also earned All-American honors twice and was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. He finished fourth in the voting in 2021 and third in 2022.
As the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, Stroud owned a 21-4 record.
Houston’s season opener against Baltimore is set for Sunday, Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. ET. The game airs on CBS.
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