The Houston Texans knew they needed to get younger at running back.
Youth was a solution they could try to help the run game get back on track, especially after a season wherein the Texans finished last in yards per carry (3.4) and rushing yards per game (83.6). The Texans used a fourth-round pick on running back Dameon Pierce from Florida for the youth movement.
“Early on, we did a lot of work on him coming in,” coach Lovie Smith told reporters Aug. 23 at Houston Methodist Training Center. “We’ve seen his highlights, the best of him in college we saw. That’s on your mind.”
According to Smith, what stood out about Pierce was how “eager” he was during rookie minicamp and the club’s offseason program.
“Every time the special teams work and you see him out here working, and then when he started playing,” Smith said. “Early on there were signs, but you had to get in pads. Then, we liked some things he did in pads. Training camp, we’re not doing a lot of live work.”
Pierce got his first action in a Texans uniform against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 13 at NRG Stadium when he carried five times for 49 yards. Pierce’s first carry was a 20-yard burst that gave Texans fans a reason to be optimistic about the running game.
“You get to the first game and you see what a player is like, live action,” said Smith. “We’ve liked him every step along the way.”
Even though Pierce is the running back fans and spectators are focused on, the coaching staff is still keeping their eyes on veterans Rex Burkehad, Marlon Mack, and Dare Ogunbowale.
Said Smith: “We’re talking a lot about Dameon, but I’m going to say the same thing for, we like what Marlon has done, Royce, Rex, Dare. We have a good group. We have a good strong running back room.”
The Texans conclude their preseason with a showdown with the San Francisco 49ers Aug. 25 at NRG Stadium.
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