DeMeco Ryans faces a Herculean task in his attempt to lift the Houston Texans back to relevance in 2023. But, with a rookie quarterback and fresh faces on the offensive side of the ball, Ryans will be able to lean on the team’s above-average running game to help get the Texans in the in column early and often during the regular season.
The first-year coach noted the efforts of one member of Houston’s backfield in particular, Dameon Pierce, during comments to the media after practice on June 6, pointing to the second-year back as a player who looks to factor into his offensive attack in a major way.
“Dameon has been consistent all offseason,” Ryans said. “He’s been here every day, he’s been upbeat. He brings tremendous energy — not only to our offense, but to our entire team. Always has a smile on his face, always working hard, improving on the little things that he has to work on. I’m excited for the season that he will have ahead of him.”
While the focus from the outside is on the former 2022 fourth-rounder, Ryans and the coaching staff must keep their considerations on the running back stable as a whole.
Said Ryans: “Not only Dameon, I think it’s the compliment of the guys that we have — adding Devin [Singletary], Mike [Boone], other guys there in our backfield — it’s just a compliment where Dameon doesn’t have to do all of it on his own. But his physical style, the speed that he plays with, the way that he’s improving in his pass protection — it’s been fun to watch.”
The Texans’ influx of premier talent has steered fans away from recalling Pierce’s efforts in 2022. Despite being limited to 13 games due to injury, the former Florida product generated 939 rushing yards, which were the third-most among rookies.
With a more well-rounded roster around Pierce, the reigning NFL’s “Angriest Run of the Year” winner has a chance for a breakout effort when the regular season starts in September.
