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If you paid any attention at all to the 2022 Houston Texans, you know one of the very few bright spots was then-rookie running back Dameon Pierce. The bruising young tailback had what many could argue was the best Texans rookie rushing seasons in history going on until it was derailed by injury. And poor play calling (see: Tankathon v.2022).
What Pierce lacked wasn't of his own making, but that of the context surrounding his freshman campaign. Head scratching game management followed by not so great offensive line play, and a lack of any legit passing threat allowed opposing defenses to simply stack the box when they saw #31 on the field.
Pierce also lacked the complimentary back to help take some of the load off the young man’s shoulders.
Well, the game management concerns should remain no more. DeMeco Ryans don’t play that.
The offensive line, improved greatly so far this offseason, will likely take a franchise-sized step forward in 2023 as well.
And, new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik brings a more viable passing attack than whatever last season was...
Which brings us to the “2” of the 1-2 punch.
Houston Texans sign Devin Singletary
The #Texans are signing RB Devin Singletary, according to @RapSheet
— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) March 20, 2023
Nick Caserio is COOKING. pic.twitter.com/2QqlraFyLa
The #Texans have reached an agreement to sign former #Bills FA RB Devin Singletary, source said, giving them an additional weapon alongside Dameon Pierce. The player called “Motor” has averaged 4.6 yards per rush in each of the last two seasons. pic.twitter.com/BbRNQ7W7Ka
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2023
In four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Singletary has gained 3,151 yards on 672 runs for a 4.7 yard per carry career average. He’s hit pay dirt 16 times, caught 145 passes for 971 yards and another 4 touchdowns.
While he isn’t the second coming of Arian Foster, he should certainly provide a mad upgrade over Rex Burkhead.
Singletary has the vision to see the holes and know where to run, the speed to clear the gaps in the defense, the agility to make opponents miss tackles and the power to break the ones that aren’t missed.
Houston Texans One-Two Punch: Pierce & Singletary
Devin Singletary highlights. A little help for Dameon Pierce and another weapon for the new rookie QB. #WeAreTexans #Texans pic.twitter.com/m7L3DIhfnm
— Texans Fan Battle Podcast (@TexansFanBattle) March 21, 2023
Looking at potential Bengals Free agents every day before free agency day 9: Devin Singletary
— Bengals_Storm (@Bengalsfan631) February 8, 2023
Singletary had a lot of big plays for the Bills last year, getting 1100 scrimmage yards and 6 touchdowns, while having 4.6 YPC. Devin would be a nice piece to the stacked offense pic.twitter.com/OcFwuEA81t
While gobs of success in the high flying Buffalo Bills offense doesn’t necessarily translate to success in the brand new Houston Texans offense, Singletary will certainly contribute his share of game changing moments.
Imagine watching Pierce pick up a 1st down by forcing several missed tackles. Then on the next play, he bulldozes 2 or 3 defenders. He steps off the field for a Gatorade moment and in comes Singletary with fresh legs... defenders, already sucking wind with hands on hips, see Singletary and think “Are you kidding me with this?”
In 2022
— # 2 Pick In Draft (@AYOTexanNation) March 20, 2023
Dameon Pierce rushed for 939 Yards & had 4 TDs
Devin Singletary rushed for 819 Yards & 5 TDs.
Combined that would've been 1758 Yards & 9 TDs.
Both RBs are fairly young & together will add a whole new dynamic to the offense with either or in. pic.twitter.com/C7heCyUJZr
If you’re a running game fan, it’s time to get excited. If you’re one of those “only care about my fantasy team and Pierce is gonna get less carries” people whining on Twitter: don’t care.
Watching these 2 run around, over & through opposing defenses is going to be a lot of fun.
#WeAreTexans
Just a tremendous 36-yard run for former Florida #Gators RB Dameon Pierce. Pain and pleasure every time this guy puts up a highlight, which the rookie has done all season. Total beast. #Texans pic.twitter.com/mpNyPTW6OV
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) November 4, 2022
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