USA TODAY Sports

Texans' Pierce Aspiring to Be Better Without the Ball

Originally posted on FanNation Texans Daily
By Anthony Licciardi | Last updated 9/23/23

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce came out of nowhere to establish himself as a starting running back last season. The fourth-round pick did enough to cement his role heading into 2023, but that doesn’t mean he’s complacent.

Pierce has taken on a leadership role on a young Texans team trying to find its footing with a rookie head coach and quarterback alike. Part of that responsibility is taking accountability for one’s limitations and working to improve upon them.

Last season, Pierce rushed 220 times for 939 yards and four touchdowns. However, he wasn’t as much of a factor on passing downs, and backup running back Rex Burkhead was able to cut into Pierce’s snaps because of it.

Pierce made it a point to improve upon his presence as a running back, attempting to help the offense without the ball in his hands. He spoke to Sports Radio 610 KILT-AM on Friday about his development.

“I feel like I’m great in pass protection,” Pierce said. “When I say ‘away from the ball,’ I mean of course pass protection is included, but motioning out, doing all those intricate things that running backs do, that I’ve seen running backs do.”

So far, so good. Pierce’s pass blocking grade via Pro Football Focus has jumped rather impressively from 32.3 last season to 79.9 through Week 2. He’s slightly improved his grade as a receiver and run blocker, too.

“Like Jet [Jerick] McKinnon from the Chiefs, he’s all over the field,” Pierce continued. “Like Alvin Kamara when he’s healthy, he’s all over the field. So just trying to grow and adapt in that role.”

Making good on that promise could render him an every-down back who is able to stick on the field when games get away from the Texans. It also allows him to provide value when his rushing totals are diminished, like they’ve been this year.

Pierce has rushed for just 69 yards on 26 attempts in 2023. Yet, he has provided an ample role model for his wide-eyed Houston teammates and his comments echo that of head coach DeMeco Ryans and the winning mindset he aims to instill.

Pierce will have a chance to show off those improvements, and potentially get the ground game back on track, when the Texans visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

This article first appeared on FanNation Texans Daily and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: