Fresh off their bye week, the New York Giants host the Houston Texans on Sunday in a match that will set the tone for the rest of the season.
Entering the bye with a 6-2 record, the Giants shocked the league with their 180-degree turnaround. But it’s a long season and there’s still work to do, starting this weekend against the Texans.
The Texans have mostly been known for housing Deshaun Watson and his legal troubles over the last few years, which has led to some, we’ll call it, less than subpar seasons. This season is no different as the Texans sit at 1-6.
But that doesn’t mean it’s going to be an ‘easy’ win; the Giants still have a lot of injuries and the defense is greatly impacted. Which is why it wasn’t a surprise when Wink Martindale was asked about the Texans running back stud, Dameon Pierce.
Wink’s response to a question about his impression of Pierce was very, well, Wink-ish.
“I don’t know who said something to him or did something to him to make him so angry, but that might be the angriest runner in the league,” Martindale told reporters. “He is, I’ll give you my comparisons again: Old, old school, Earl Campbell, Jamal Lewis. He’s one of those big power backs that has great balance. Runs mad every time he touches it. Has quick feet. It’s going to be (a) tough assignment.”
That’s pretty high praise from a guy who knows a thing or two about football. Campbell and Lewis are Hall of Fame running backs, and although Lewis has not been inducted, he certainly deserves consideration.
Pierce, a rookie out of Florida, has recorded 648 yards and three touchdowns on 148 carries this season. He also added 20 receptions for 98 yards and another touchdown while only fumbling the ball twice. He ranks sixth in rushing in the NFL and is a huge part of the Texans offense.
The Giants will have to find a way to contain him or at least slow him down on Sunday if they want to come away with the win.
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