Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Dameon Pierce looks like a steal for Houston Texans

By Cory Woodroof | Last updated 11/4/22

The Houston Texans are having a bad season, but rookie running back Dameon Pierce is giving Texans fans plenty to get excited about for the future.

The Florida alum slipped through the cracks of the 2022 NFL Draft, going to Houston in the fourth round. So far, he's looked like anything but a mid-round draft pick.

With 139 yards on 27 attempts against the defensively intimidating Philadelphia Eagles, Pierce showed the Texans Thursday night why he can be the top running back for the team going ahead.

Through eight games, Pierce has rushed for a stunning 678 yards and three touchdowns.

At present, he's fourth overall in the NFL for rushing yardage behind stars like Nick Chubb, Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry.

He's on pace to break a thousand yards in his first season and has been one of the few bright spots on a Texans team that looks destined for a top-5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Pierce's punishing style is a throwback to the rushers of old. Rather than finesse his yardage with agility, he's become known to make defenders pay for taking him head-on.

Dameon Pierce is going to make a career out of taking away every easy tackle from linebackers and defensive backs.

Impressive, violent run from the most talented player in Houston’s offense #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/Bbm1OvX93m
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) November 4, 2022

One player Pierce has been commonly linked to? Seattle Seahawks great Marshawn Lynch.

Entering the game Dameon Pierce's 53 avoided tackles this season were 2nd in the NFL behind Nick Chubb.

You can see why as he bounced off 3 tackles like he was Marshawn Lynch right there.
— Doug Clawson (@doug_clawson) November 4, 2022

If Pierce keep this up, he could challenge Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III for being the best running back to come out of the 2022 draft class. The Texans would surely love that to be the case.

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