Texans believe running back Dameon Pierce simply needs more carries, better blocking: ‘Guys unblocked in the hole’

HOUSTON – Dameon Pierce took off out of the backfield, dashing around the perimeter of the Los Angeles Rams’ defense for a long run during a joint practice Thursday morning.

The Texans’ third-year running back and primary backup to Pro Bowl selection Joe Mixon had something in front of him that he has yet to experience through two preseason games: daylight.

Pierce has been bottled up in both of his game appearances this month, combining for just nine yards on eight carries against the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers. In each of those games, Pierce dealt with tough sledding as the line of scrimmage was stacked in the tackle box with defenders stonewalling the Texans’ offensive line.

While Pierce has looked significantly more comfortable in practice sessions in offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s zone-based schemes, the productivity hasn’t been there in games.

The explanation for Pierce not breaking free appears relatively simple. It’s a combination of no open real estate in front of him and Pierce not going off-script and cutting back when there’s nothing to be gained, simply plowing straightforward into the line and not eluding or breaking tackles.

“We have to get him some opps in a game, get him some more opps running the football,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Dameon has done a great job out here at practice, and I think everyone hasn’t seen that in the game because when he had his opportunities, you’ve got guys unblocked in the hole so he doesn’t have a chance to really get started. We just have to give him more opportunities, but we have to block it better up front, so he does have the opportunities to make some plays in the running game.”

Texans right offensive tackle Tytus Howard emphasized how little action Pierce has seen while averaging 1.1 yards per carry. He had five yards on four carries against the Giants with one kickoff return for 18 yards. He was also playing without Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil in the lineup while Mixon remained out as he works back to full strength from a quadriceps injury.

“He doesn’t have that many reps,” Howard said. “He didn’t get that many reps with the starters, too, so you have to put that into play. We didn’t really run the ball that much last game. We did a lot of pass plays.

“He has been putting work in at practice. A lot of people aren’t seeing that, they only see what they see when we go out in the game. You can’t really just go off of that. It is a small sample size to the stuff that he has done and the work he has put in. He is going to be just fine.”

Pierce was in too much of a rush at times last season as he tried to learn an unfamiliar strategic approach to running the football after excelling in the pass on quicker-hitting, more straightforward runs. And his body weight and nutrition weren’t where he wanted them to be. So, Pierce switched things up this offseason. He’s down to 210 to 214 from 217 to 218 pounds last year through a diet emphasizing lean meats and vegetables designed by the Texans’ nutritionists.

Pierce feels like a new man, and it shows through his play on the field and the smile on his face, at least in practice sessions.

“I’m feeling comfortable, I’m feeling in shape,” Pierce told KPRC 2. “Last year was like another rookie year for me in terms of unlearning and relearning things. My head was in a thousand places at one time, and that’s not efficient. You can’t play fast. You can’t play clean if you’re thinking a lot, if you’re wondering, ‘What I got on these plays? Who do I have on that? Was I right on this play?’ So, a lot of the cobwebs and all that are gone. I’m more precise and more sharp, cleaner. Everything just feels right. It’s fun again, bro.

“I ain’t gonna say last year took the fun away from the game, but, man, nobody wants to be hurt. Nobody wants to be on the sidelines. Nobody wants to not be in the action. Nobody wants to not be on the field. So, it was definitely a learning curve. You heard it. Compared to last year to this year, it feels amazing to be back out here and be in the mix and doing my thing the right way. Everything just feels right and comfortable. It’s like football. To not have missed assignments, this is the kind of football I like playing.”

One year after being named a Pro Bowl alternate as one of the top rookie running backs, Pierce was relegated to a complementary role behind Devin “Motor” Singletary -- cheered on his teammate while his numbers took a hit.

Pierce rushed for 416 yards and two touchdowns last season with a 2.9 average per run in 14 games and seven starts, dealing with an ankle injury and a tough adjustment to Slowik’s running system. Pierce gained 939 yards and scored four touchdowns as a Pro Bowl alternate during a dynamic rookie season two years ago, averaging 4.3 yards per run as he established himself as a bruising presence and was awarded the NFL’s Angry Run of the Year for his tackle-busting display against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Flash forward to training camp this year and Pierce looks primed to bounce back. He’s worked tirelessly this offseason and has added lean muscle, striking a balance between bulk and speed. He’s also operating with much more certainty and less wasted motion in his moves.

While the Texans did acquire Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals via a trade and signed him to a three-year, $27 million contract extension and drafted Louisville running back Jawhar Jordan, they still have plans for Pierce. Pierce, who has worked diligently this offseason while also taking the time to complete his degree requirements at the University of Florida, figures into the equation as a change of pace behind Mixon and on kickoff returns after his 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown last season against the Cleveland Browns.

“He came in ready to compete and ready to work,” Slowik said. “And, I mean, last year, there’s always a lot going on. This year, he’s been able to really focus mentally. He’s been able to focus physically to where he’s can hone in on the offense, but he can also hone in on himself.

“And he’s always been a tireless worker. But now he’s seeing the dividends of that and it’s been fun to watch him in OTAs and camp. I mean, he’s doing really good stuff in camp. I mean, it’s been fun to watch, excited to continue to see him grow.”

Pierce wanted to make some changes after last season.

He changed his diet, incorporating more lean proteins and vegetables into his diet. After playing at around 223 to 225 pounds as a rookie fourth-round draft pick from Florida, Pierce has more energy now at a lighter weight and still appears powerful.

“This year, I’ve got way more muscle mass, more lean muscle mass and I feel great,” Pierce said. “I got tips on proper nutrition and it feels good. I really don’t eat red meat no more, but when I do I go crazy. If I’m going to get the red meat, I’m going to get the ox tails and go crazy.”

Yes, Pierce will occasionally treat himself to a steak on a special occasion. Ideally, a six-ounce filet mignon accompanied by asparagus with Hollandaise sauce.

It has to be done just right, not too rare.

“I’m a high medium well,” Pierce said. “I just want a sliver of pink. I want to cut through it and it don’t be tough. I don’t want my heart still beating on my steak.”

The support of the loyal fans, especially the ones who lived through the losing seasons before enjoying last season’s AFC South division title, means a lot to Pierce.

“It was exciting, we’ve got a great turnout,” Pierce said. “We’re grinding, bro. You’re doing it for the city. Everything is going smooth. It’s just amazing, bro.”

Against the Browns, Pierce reminded everyone in the NFL how explosive and powerful he can be toting a football in the open field.

Pierce attacked the kickoff coverage during a 36-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium, aggressively attacking the middle of the field in a structured return before cutting to his right toward the sideline and running away from pursuit. The Bainbridge, Georgia native wasn’t going to be caught -- especially by Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins, who injured his hamstring chasing after Pierce in vain. He got shoved at the 2-yard line by linebacker Charlie Thomas II and dove into the end zone.

It was one of the few bright spots as the touchdown got the Texans on the scoreboard after the Browns opened up a 14-0 lead following a 75-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to Amari Cooper.

The touchdown from Pierce was just the third kickoff return for a score last season around the NFL and the second by the Texans after fullback Andrew Beck’s 85-yard return against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Pierce had a season-high 24 carries for 81 yards in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 1 and 20 runs for 66 yards against the Atlanta Falcons the following week. He injured his ankle against the Carolina Panthers, missing nearly a month of action before returning.

“What I have seen from Dameon this offseason is a guy who has put in the work,” Ryans said. “As you have mentioned, he has changed his body, he is strong, he has been working out every day of the offseason program. Not only here just working out, but I am also proud of Dameon for him going back and finishing his degree at Florida. So, just the complete man, working out as a football player, but also finishing that degree means a lot to him.

“I see Dameon having a very clear head space as we are out working, and I think that will allow him to have a really productive year this year. He has everything it takes to be a really good running back for us and I think him and Joe as a one-two punch, would be very beneficial for us all.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.