Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans: Dameon Pierce, Joe Mixon can be 'one-two punch' in Houston

After a surprising 2023 season, the Houston Texans made several blockbuster moves in the offseason.

Houston traded for wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon and signed pass rusher Danielle Hunter for a historic offseason. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans expects running back Dameon Pierce to have a “really productive” season despite Mixon’s addition to the roster.

“What I have seen from Dameon this offseason is a guy who has put in the work,” Ryans said this week, via the Houston Chronicle. “I see Dameon having a very clear headspace 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.”

In 2023, Pierce struggled in offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s scheme. Pierce started the first seven games of the season but suffered an ankle injury that caused him to be inactive for three games. When Pierce returned to action, he fell in the depth chart as Devin Singletary emerged and remained the starter for the rest of the season.

In 14 games, Pierce completed his sophomore season with 145 carries for 416 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Ryans hopes Mixon’s play style fits the Texans well, and with Singletary heading to the New York Giants in free agency, adding a veteran like Mixon made sense. Mixon is fresh off a 1,000-yard rushing season, and Ryans envisions Pierce as a perfect back to pair next to the former Bengal. Since 2021, Mixon has had 29 rushing touchdowns, which ranks third among RBs in that span, according to NFL Research.

Heading into his second season in Slowik’s offense, Pierce is hopeful that the additional practice will bear fruit as training camp approaches. As the OTAs conclude at the end of May, Ryans is confident that Pierce and Mixon can establish a formidable “one-two punch” for the 2024 season. Houston shares this optimism.