ESPN report: Houston’s “one-two punch” can be Dameon Pierce and Joe Mixon-DeMeco Ryans.
After a stunning 2023 season, the Houston Texans made a few big offseason acquisitions this offseason.
In an unprecedented offseason, Houston signed pass rusher Danielle Hunter and traded for wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon. Despite Mixon’s addition to the squad, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans anticipates that running back Dameon Pierce will have a “really productive” season.
According to Ryans, “What I have seen from Dameon this offseason is a guy who has put in the work,” as reported by the Houston Chronicle this week. “As we work outside, I notice that Dameon is in a very clear headspace, and I believe that will help him have a really successful year this year. He possesses all the necessary skills to be an excellent running back for us, and I believe that having him and Joe together would be very advantageous for everyone.”
Pierce had difficulty in 2023 under Bobby Slowik’s offensive coordinator system. After starting the season’s first seven games, Pierce had an ankle ailment that kept him out of action for three games. After Pierce made his comeback, Devin Singletary rose to the top of the depth chart and started all season long.
With 145 carries for 416 running yards and two scores in 14 games, Pierce wrapped up his sophomore campaign.
In addition, acquiring a veteran like Mixon made sense, since Ryans feels Mixon’s play style matches the Texans well. Singletary is expected to sign a free agent contract to play for the New York Giants. After Mixon’s season of 1,000 yards gained through rushes, Ryans sees Pierce as the ideal back to partner with the former Bengal. According to NFL Research, Mixon has recorded 29 running touchdowns since 2021, which is third among RBs during that time.
With Slowik’s offense in his second season, Houston is hoping that Pierce’s increased practice reps will pay off come training camp. Ryans believes Pierce can combine with Mixon to form a potent “one-two punch” for the 2024 season, even though OTAs conclude at the end of May.
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The Texans intend to give Dameon Pierce and Joe Mixon lots of carries.
The intentions the Texans have for starting running back Dameon Pierce are unaffected by the addition of running back Joe Mixon to the team this offseason.
According to Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, Pierce plays a significant role in the team’s system, and both running backs will get a lot of action this year.
According to Ryans, who spoke with the Houston Chronicle, “What I have seen from Dameon this offseason is a guy who has put in the work.” As we work outside, I notice that Dameon has a very clear headspace, and I believe that will help him have a really successful year this year. He possesses all the necessary skills to be an excellent running back for us, and I believe that having him and Joe together would be very advantageous for everyone.
If he stays healthy, Mixon will probably start for the Texans and lead the club in carries, but Pierce will get his chances on a team that anticipates running the ball a lot.
