Texans RB Dameon Pierce sets franchise-best mark against Giants
Anyone who has followed the Houston Texans' 2022 campaign is well aware of the team's outstanding rookie running back Dameon Pierce, who has taken the league by storm this year.
Pierce has shown an exceptional ability to keep his legs churning and hit even the smallest gap for serious yardage. This season, he's offered a glimpse at the future of Texans football.
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It has been an exciting development on an otherwise unexciting season.
With his 122 yards from scrimmage on Sunday against the New York Giants, Pierce put himself atop Houston's all-time list for most games with 100 or more yards through the first nine games of a rookie season. Previously tied with Domanick Davis' 2003 effort with five such games, Pierce was able to ground and pound his way to a sixth effort of this nature with his expert rushing skills and soft hands in the passing game.
For reference, former Texans receiver Will Fuller is tied for fourth place with Wali Lundy on the list with two games of 100 yards or more in their outstanding 2016 and 2006 campaigns respectively. While Lundy may not have been an all-time great Texan, Fuller was certainly an impact player for the team before they cut him loose in 2021 and was among the most impressive receivers in his draft class.
Pierce gave credit to the Texans offensive line for his record performance.
"The O-Line," Pierce told reporters. "We just kept staying the course. When guys have confidence up front, it gives you confidence in the backfield."
As Pierce continues to rack up stats at an unfathomable rate, he is sure to continue finding his name atop more franchise rookie leaderboards. The team's abysmal 1-7-1 record has in no way been an indication of the running back's effort in the failed season.
It serves as a reminder that even as a team implodes, there can still be marvelous performances taking place on a week-to-week basis.
Pierce has rushed for 772 yards and three touchdowns this season. He is tied for fifth in the league for rushing yards and is avergaing 4.7 yards per carry.
The 2022 campaign may be a total loss for Houston at this point, but the valuable experience and accolades that Pierce has soaked up over the Texans' first nine games will surely prove to be invaluable to his development into one of the NFL's most capable and feared running backs.