HOUSTON — Dameon Pierce rapidly builds and maintains his momentum by bullying linebackers with his signature violent running style, running behind his shoulder pads with a rare combination of power and decisive, downhill moves. That same statement can be accurately made regarding the Houston Texans’ rookie running back’s impressive bid for a starting job.
Dameon Pierce makes statement in bid to become RB1
On the heels of his impressive NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints, Pierce started against the San Francisco 49ers and rushed for 37 yards and a touchdown on six carries in one series Thursday night during a 17-0 preseason victory at NRG Stadium. Pierce displayed an aggressive, ultra-physical demeanor against the NFC West franchise.
“I’m just taking advantage of every opportunity,” Pierce said after the game. “I’m grateful to be in this position. You can’t get too high, you can’t get too low. You’ve got to find that happy medium. Once you find that as an athlete, it’s easy to navigate. At the end of the day, you’re going to learn from it and get better from it.”
For a Texans team that had the worst running game statistically in the NFL a year ago, the arrival of a runner with bad intentions couldn’t be more welcome. The fourth-round draft pick from Florida is firmly in the conversation to emerge as the Texans’ primary RB.
He’s clearly been the most impressive back in practice sessions and games, including a 49-yard rushing performance on five carries against the Saints. With Pierce, though, it’s more about the kind of crisp runs he’s manufacturing and his ultra-physical approach more so than fancy statistics.
In two preseason games, he’s rushed for 86 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries. Pierce kept the football from his first TD run.
“It means a lot,” Pierce said. “It’s a great organization, a great family atmosphere around here. It’s a good feeling when you walk in the building. Everybody is pulling in the same direction. It’s making it easy to buy in.”
Pierce, in his lone series, helped the Texans manufacture an 11-play, 65-yard drive that included seven first downs and his score as he bulled into the end zone from one yard out to cap the march.
The Texans sound more than convinced about Pierce’s upside. Ever since he rumbled for 20 yards on his first carry against the Saints, the excitement surrounding Pierce has been growing.
“Dameon Pierce has been that way every time we’ve given him the ball,” Texans coach Lovie Smith said. “He’s a good football player. We’ll be announcing starting lineups and all that, but our plan through the preseason was to let all the guys play and then normally you let players play. They show you who should start, who should play.
“Dameon has taken advantage of every opportunity he’s gotten. I think everybody that’s seen him play, the few games he’s played, you’ve been impressed. I thought Marlon Mack did some good things, too, carrying the ball. We have a strong running back room. We started camp that way, and they’ve confirmed everything we thought before camp.”
Pierce competing time with veteran Marlon Mack
Pierce is competing for playing time with Mack. Mack, a former two-time 1,000-yard rusher with the Indianapolis Colts, tore his Achilles two seasons ago and is still working to regain his old form. Mack rushed for 55 yards on 10 carries in his best performance of the preseason.
“Play better,” Smith said before the game when asked what the other running backs need to do to set themselves apart. “It is that simple, really. It’s about production when you get opportunities, flash. Show us your best. At the end of training camp, the best of everyone is what we should’ve seen.”
After seeing enough out of him against New Orleans, Pierce was held out of the Texans’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
“I don’t run with good intentions, to answer your question,” Pierce said. “I don’t be angry, just real passionate about what I do.”
Pierce rushed for 574 yards and 13 touchdowns last season in an offensive system that platooned running backs. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry and caught 19 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns. As a junior, he rushed for 503 yards and four touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 156 yards and one score. Now, Pierce is off to a fast start at the NFL level.
“Early on, we did a lot of work on him coming in,” Smith said. “We’ve seen his highlights, the best of him in college we saw. That’s on your mind. We’ve liked him every step along the way.”
What is becoming evident is that the Texans have found a young RB worth investing time and resources into developing.
“Dameon is going to do a lot of special things for this team,” Texans right offensive tackle Tytus Howard said. “I remember being on the sidelines. I wasn’t in when he made those runs in the first week. I was excited. We haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher here since 2019 with Carlos Hyde. To see a rookie come in and make those types of plays the first time he got the ball it’s going to be something special.”
“I took bits and pieces of everybody’s game and molded it to my own style, which is violent,” Pierce said. “I like to fight for my yards. I like to punish the defense. I don’t like taking hits. I like giving hits.”
Texans general manager Nick Caserio didn’t hide his enthusiasm when the AFC South franchise landed Pierce.
“He plays with a lot of joy,” Caserio said. “He plays with a lot of fight. He plays with a lot of toughness, and his personality, I would say, transfers over to the football field.”
Texans rookie safety Jalen Pitre thoroughly enjoyed what he saw from Pierce.
“It was great to see him get his first touchdown,” he said. “There’s going to be a lot more of those.”
Kenyon Green makes impressive debut
Texans rookie offensive guard Kenyon Green was as advertised in his NFL debut, displaying aggressiveness, power, and mobility.
Drafted 15th overall out of Texas A&M, the former blue-chip recruit and All-SEC selection crushed 49ers linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles on a run by Rex Burkhead for five yards. And on Marlon Mack’s 24-yard run, Green got a ton of push up the middle, shoving back linebacker Segun Olubi at the second level to set up a touchdown.
Mack rushed for 55 yards on 10 carries, gaining a lot of yards with Green running interference. Green was sidelined for the first two games of the preseason as he recovered from a concussion. He also missed time in the offseason while recovering from surgery to repair a lateral collateral ligament.
“It felt good, getting out there with my teammates,” Green said. “There’s still things I can do better, stuff I need to work on, my technique and everything, getting more comfortable out there. Overall, I think I did pretty good. Physical, taking people off the ball, making sure I’m driving them off the ball. I feel like we played good as a unit.
“I feel like we did real good. It’s a blessing being out there, being with the hometown team. I’m happy to be out there and happy I can contribute to my team. I need to keep building. I can get better at the little things in my game. That’s all I’m worried about is getting better. After the first hit, I calmed down and the jitters went away. I’m just focused on getting better whether it’s second-string or starter.”
The Texans averaged just 3.4 yards per carry last season. Having Green in the lineup can change that ratio dramatically.
“I can’t wait to see the video, but the plays I did see, there’s a reason why we drafted him in the first round,” Smith said. “He’s a good football player. I thought he did some good things out there, made some good plays, but he’s capable of that. Eventually, Kenyon will be in the lineup. Kenyon will be in the lineup.”
From his teammates’ standpoint, Green is on the right track. They enjoyed watching him manhandle defenders.
“It was awesome, excited for him to get in there and get some more live action,” quarterback Davis Mills said. “He’s been banged up a little bit throughout camp and out of school so it’s exciting to get him finally in there. I think he had a pancake on one of his first plays, so that’s exciting finally getting his feet wet.”
Davis Mills leads pair of touchdown drives, overcomes interception
Mills, himself, had his moments, completing 6 of 10 passes for 58 yards with one touchdown and an interception. The INT came on a pass Mills wishes he could have back. The fade route to wide receiver Chris Moore was bobbled by Moore and deflected by Samuel Womack III and intercepted by Tarvarius Moore.
Mills was resilient, though, rifling a 16-yard touchdown pass in the second half over the middle to Moore after a previous TD pass to Nico Collins was nullified by an offensive pass interference penalty on Moore.
“I mean, we just kept calling our stuff,” Mills said. “Obviously, you get a little mental reset at halftime, make sure what you thought you were getting in the first half from the defense, making sure that’s accurate with what you thought and what you’re actually going to get in the second half, too. Just wanted to come out and put together a drive at the start of the half and go down and get points. That’s what we did.”
The interception represented a play that Mills wants to learn from.
“It was the right route,” Mills said. “I’ve got to give him a better ball there. If you kind of compared quarterbacking to golf, it’s where you miss, not where you make every throw. I’ve got to give him a better ball there.
“Obviously, you’d like to see the film to confirm some things, but that one, that throw to Chris Moore down in the end zone after our defense got a turnover, that was a big one. It’s where you miss, not where you end up throwing it. So got to give him a better ball away from the defender’s leverage.”
Another throw Mills wasn’t pleased with was a defensive pass interference penalty on a throw to Collins.
“The other throw I want back is probably the go ball to Nico on the right sideline that we ended up getting pass interference on, but I just hung that one up and underthrew it,” Mills said. “Would like to put a little more on it so we can probably end up scoring on that play rather than just getting the pass interference call.”
Mills is confident heading into the season
Heading into his first full season as the starter after entering last year backing up veteran Tyrod Taylor, the Atlanta native is feeling good about his game.
“Very confident,” Mills said. “I think every rep you get adds to your experience level, your memory bank. The more reps I get, the more and more comfortable I am out there. I mean, it’s exciting just with what we have moving forward.
“I think the sky’s the limit with what we’re capable of doing on offense. I think it’s going to be very unique to what we’re going to do here compared to different teams around the league. It’s going to be really exciting kind of pulling some of those tricks out of the bag once we get to Week 1 versus the Colts.”
Mills didn’t play in any preseason games with his top wide receiver: Brandin Cooks. Cooks caught 90 passes last season for 1,037 yards and six touchdowns. He was signed to a two-year, $39.6 million contract extension this offseason.
“Yeah, when you have a No. 1 receiver like that, you know once we get into game plan he’s going to be the No. 1 guy in a lot of progressions,” Mills said. “We’re trying to find ways to get him the ball. When he’s not available like he was throughout preseason, it does give you valuable time with other guys to continue building chemistry and timing and getting on the same page with those guys. It’s exciting just continuing to develop with those other playmakers.”
Derek Stingley Jr. keeps improving
After deflecting a pass in his first NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams, CB Derek Stingley Jr. had three tackles and a sound performance in pass coverage in his second start.
“I’m just glad that the team is coming together,” Stingley said. “We’re out there on defense, flying around. I think it’s going to be a good year. I’ve really been learning from anybody. I’m just taking it in and trying to get better.
“Everybody is out there giving 100 percent effort. I think we made a statement to ourselves that we can go out there and play together. I can always get better at everything, technique, being at the right spot. That’s what everyone wants to do.”
Jalen Pitre: ‘Being violent when you get there’
In his third preseason game, Texans rookie safety Jalen Pitre again displayed his rare instincts. The second-round draft pick from Baylor and immediate starter had five tackles, including one for a loss on fourth down to halt a drive against the 49ers. On 4th-and-2 at the Texans’ 35-yard line, Pitre tackled RB Trey Sermon for a loss of three yards.
The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year is extremely active and off to a fast start in the NFL.
“Definitely, I’m big on running to the ball and being violent when you get there,” Pitre said. “I hope to always be around the ball on any play out there. The chemistry is strong. We have some great people back there, some great communicators. It’s a big shout-out to my teammates and my coach. I appreciate all of them for that. I would say my tackling has gotten a lot better.”
Pitre’s versatility, range, and aggressiveness have made him an early standout.
“What we notice, is when you’re making a whole lot of big flash plays,” Smith said. “Jalen has been consistent throughout. He’s a smart player. He’s been like a sponge as far as learning, but he’s going to be around the ball. That’s what we’ve seen. I’m excited about going forward with him and him lining up for us when Indy comes into town.”
A former consensus All-American, Pitre led Baylor with 18 tackles for losses in his final college season. He finished with 76 tackles overall, three sacks, seven pass breakups, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries.
“He’s a guy who’s in here early, so he understands what it takes to be a pro,” veteran defensive end Jerry Hughes said. “He’s doing all the necessary steps, and that’s why he’s flying around all over the field.”
Undrafted rookie Kurt Hinish pushing for roster spot
Texans undrafted rookie defensive tackle Kurt Hinish celebrated a sack, his second of the preseason, after previously delivering a tackle for a loss on Sermon.
Signed as a free agent for $85,000 guaranteed out of Notre Dame, Hinish is making a strong case for a roster spot. There are many around the team who believe he’s done enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
“It helps,” Smith said. “It’s about making plays when you get an opportunity. Kurt has taken advantage of his opportunities, too, but he’s been like that just about every day of training camp.”
The gritty DT from Notre Dame is making a strong impression. Hinish keeps pushing and shoving, driving his legs until he gets free from blocks. Against the Saints, he chased down his former college teammate, Ian Book, for a sack.
No one played in more career games in Notre Dame history than Hinish, appearing in 61 games with 35 starts and recording 81 tackles, 20 for losses, 7 1/2 sacks, and a forced fumble.
At Notre Dame, Hinish became known for his high-octane style and for painting his face for games. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.96 seconds and bench pressed 225 pounds 31 times at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Smith emphasized that Hinish is off to a fast start in the NFL.
“Whenever you have a nose guard that gets a sack, that’s really big,” Smith said. “But he’s been a steady performer throughout camp also.”
Hinish, an avid hunter and fisherman who caught Notre Dame’s attention in recruiting when he convinced Central Catholic High School teammate David Adams to submit his highlight tape to the school’s recruiting coordinator, embraces a “lunch-pail,” blue-collar mentality.
“That’s the way I am,” Hinish said. “I take it one day at a time. I do my best every day I show up at the building. I feel excited. I’m making the most out of my opportunity, for sure.”
New kicker for the night
The Texans signed former New York Jets and Carolina Panthers kicker Matt Ammendola before kickoff for the preseason finale. Ammendola made a 45-yard field goal but missed a 31-yard attempt. He also hit both of his extra points.
Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn is dealing with a short-term injury and is expected to return for the season-opener against Indianapolis, according to a league source. Fairbairn, who missed four games last season on injured reserve with a groin injury, is not expected to be out for long.
Texans injury updates
The following players didn’t play due to injuries: defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (biceps), kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (groin), defensive tackle Ross Blacklock (groin), linebackers Garret Wallow (ankle) and Christian Harris (hamstring), tight ends Pharaoh Brown (hamstring), Teagan Quitoriano (knee) and Antony Auclair (right knee), wide receiver Drew Estrada (leg), cornerback Tavierre Thomas (quadriceps), cornerback Kendall Sheffield and starting defensive tackle Roy Lopez (soft-tissue injury).
“Yeah, a little soft tissue injury, shouldn’t be much, nothing to keep him out of the first game, anything like that,” Smith said regarding Lopez. “Going into the third preseason game, if guys aren’t 100 percent or close to that, we held them a little bit. He’ll be fine. Nothing serious.”
The Texans held out three key veterans for precautionary reasons: left tackle Laremy Tunsil, center Justin Britt, and Cooks. None have played in any of the three preseason games.
Meanwhile, DT Maliek Collins and DE Jerry Hughes made their preseason debuts.
Texans quick hits
CB Desmond King intercepted a pass, getting back on the field after being evaluated in the blue medical tent on the sideline after getting shaken up on a punt return.
Undrafted rookie linebacker Jake Hansen intercepted a pass. The former Illinois standout has had a strong preseason at diagnosing plays.
Defensive end Adedayo Odeleye, an international program player from London, recorded his first NFL sack, bringing down Brock Purdy for a loss of seven yards.
Linebacker Blake Cashman tied with linebacker Neville Hewitt for the most stops, leading the defense with six tackles, including five solos.
