Running backs Dameon Pierce and Derrick Henry might not have much in common on paper heading into Week 8, but the Houston Texans’ rookie phenom has managed to match the Tennessee Titans’ legend with one statistical data point that may turn heads. Both backs stand alone as the only ball carriers to have an active four-game streak of 80 or more yards rushing, and Pierce has managed to be the only rookie to accomplish the feat since 2019.
While this may seem like an obscure piece of NFL trivia, it cements Pierce’s status as one of the most impressive running backs in the NFL so far this season. Especially given that he is still a rookie, the work that Pierce has put in on the ground has been a boon for the Texans’ offense, and the idea that he might become an even more potent threat should make fans’ mouths water.
His boundless potential is one of the many reasons that Houston decided to select him with a fourth-round pick back in April’s draft, and that relatively modest investment is paying huge dividends through six games. Pierce has set himself apart from every other rookie running back so far this season, and the gap between him and the next-best back isn’t particularly close.
It will take more time in Lovie Smith’s system for Pierce to develop into one of the league’s best all-around ballcarriers, but the pieces are all there for him to become an absolute monster on the gridiron. Already, he has managed to rack up over 500 yards and three touchdowns on the season, and with 11 more games left to play, he could have a shot at a historically great season if he can continue to post big-time stat lines with regularity in the coming weeks.
Watch for the Texans to ride Pierce’s hot hand for as long as they can, and for his success to open their offense up to a more multidimensional approach when they move the ball downfield.
