Texans’ Revamped Offense: Balancing Passing and Running.
The Houston Texans have significantly upgraded their receiving corps this offseason, acquiring star wide receiver Stefon Diggs via trade. However, the team has also bolstered its running game, which should not be overlooked.
The Texans added veteran running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals and signed Cam Akers in free agency at the start of training camp. Coupled with the promising Dameon Pierce, the Texans now have a formidable backfield. Head coach DeMeco Ryans plans to utilize these running backs strategically based on the matchup each week.
“I think it will be week by week depending on who has the hot hand,” Ryans said. “If the defense that week dictates that we throw the ball more, then we’ll rely on throwing the football because we feel like we have a good core group there at receivers and tight end to be able to throw the ball around. When we need to run it, whenever it calls for that, I feel like Joe (Mixon) can do a great job of running the ball for us as well. I think weekly it will change depending on who we’re facing and where we feel like our strengths are needed for that particular week.
With the addition of Diggs to a receiving corps that already includes Nico Collins and John Metchie III, the Texans have one of the most talented groups of pass-catchers in the league. However, Ryans recognizes the importance of maintaining balance in the offense and utilizing the running game when necessary.
Mixon, a former Pro Bowler, brings experience and proven production to the Texans’ backfield. His ability to both run and catch the ball out of the backfield will make him a valuable asset in Ryans’ offense. Akers, a former second-round pick, will provide depth and competition in the running game.
With a versatile offense capable of attacking through the air or on the ground, the Texans are poised to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the 2024 NFL season. The combination of a talented receiving corps and a strong running game should keep opposing defenses off balance and make the Texans a tough matchup for any opponent.
The Texans’ Backfield: A Versatile and Balanced Attack.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans plans to utilize the Texans’ running backs based on the matchup each week, similar to how he operated last season. In 2023, Ryans started the year with Dameon Pierce as the lead back, but when Pierce got injured, the Texans turned to Devin Singletary, who had the hot hand for nearly the entire season. However, Singletary signed with the New York Giants in free agency this offseason, prompting the Texans to trade for Joe Mixon.
The Texans have a high-powered offense led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and a talented receiving corps, but Ryans understands the importance of maintaining a strong ground game. With Mixon, Pierce, and Cam Akers, the Texans have a versatile and balanced backfield that can adapt to any game plan.
“I think it will be week by week depending on who has the hot hand,” Ryans said. “If the defense that week dictates that we throw the ball more, then we’ll rely on throwing the football because we feel like we have a good core group there at receivers and tight end to be able to throw the ball around. When we need to run it, whenever it calls for that, I feel like Joe (Mixon) can do a great job of running the ball for us as well. I think weekly it will change depending on who we’re facing and where we feel like our strengths are needed for that particular week.
Mixon, a former Pro Bowler, brings experience and proven production to the Texans’ backfield. His ability to both run and catch the ball out of the backfield will make him a valuable asset in Ryans’ offense. Pierce, who had a breakout rookie season in 2023, will look to build on his success, while Akers provides depth and competition in the running game.
By having a versatile and talented backfield, the Texans can keep opposing defenses off balance and maintain a balanced attack throughout the season. This flexibility will be crucial in the competitive AFC and could be the difference in close games.
Is Dameon Pierce or Cam Akers the Houston Texans’ backup running back.
Cam Akers Emerges as Texans’ Backup RB in Training Camp.
The Houston Texans entered training camp with a clear hierarchy at running back, with Joe Mixon as the starter and Dameon Pierce as the likely backup. However, Cam Akers has been a standout performer during camp and has challenged Pierce for the RB2 role.
Akers, who was acquired by the Texans this offseason, has impressed with his physicality and explosiveness. His strong showing has led some to believe he has done enough to supplant Pierce as the primary backup to Mixon.
“Akers certainly looks to be all the way back after his 2021 Achilles tear, a couple of down seasons and another Achilles injury in 2023,” Bleacher Report noted. “He played like a surefire starter against his former team, and he has likely left Pierce battling with J.J. Taylor, Dare Ogunbowale and rookie Jawhar Jordan just to make the team.
Pierce, who had a promising rookie season in 2023, has struggled to find the same success in the preseason. He has combined for just nine yards on eight carries in the first two preseason games, with the offensive line struggling to create holes for him.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has acknowledged that Pierce needs more opportunities to showcase his abilities, but also emphasized the need for better blocking from the offensive line.
With Akers emerging as a viable option, the Texans now have a tough decision to make regarding their running back depth chart. Pierce’s roster spot may not be as secure as initially thought, as he faces competition from Akers, Taylor, Ogunbowale and Jordan for a spot on the final roster.
The Texans’ running game will be a key factor in their success this season, and Ryans will need to find the right balance between Mixon, Akers and potentially Pierce to keep the offense humming. The preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams will be a crucial test for all the running backs vying for roster spots and playing time.
In Saturday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams, Cam Akers led the Texans with seven carries for 53 yards, while Dameon Pierce did not take any snaps. This decision suggests that the Texans may be protecting their starters, indicating that Pierce could be part of that group. If Pierce were genuinely competing for a roster spot, he likely would have played.
Akers has made a strong impression in his short time with the team, but he still needs to prove himself further to secure significant playing time. While he has the potential to surpass Pierce on the depth chart, that shift has not yet occurred.
Goals for Houston’s Texans vs. Los Angeles Rams game are shared by coach DeMeco Ryans.
The Houston Texans are preparing for their final preseason game this afternoon against the Los Angeles Rams. While the last preseason match can bring uncertainty, head coach DeMeco Ryans has clear objectives for his team before the regular season begins.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the players who will get the reps and how they grow and improve in this last preseason game,” Ryans stated. “It’s like a final exam after a month of training camp. We’ve provided coaching points and tips, and now it’s time to see if they can pass this exam. How much have they developed, learned, and can they demonstrate that on a big stage.
DeMeco Ryans of the Houston Texans Gives Georgia Football Huge Applause.
The Houston Texans tapped into the Georgia talent pool during the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting defensive back Kamari Lassiter from the Bulldogs. Since joining the Texans, Lassiter has made a strong impression on second-year head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Ryans has not only praised Lassiter but also commended the entire Georgia program when discussing the rookie.
“For Kamari, you can see he’s built for this,” Ryans remarked. “Mental toughness is crucial for being a successful football player; you need to have that next-play mentality. Kirby [Smart] has done an excellent job of preparing them the right way at Georgia. He has really developed all of his players well.”
Over the past three years, Kirby Smart and the University of Georgia have produced 33 players who were drafted into the NFL, coinciding with their back-to-back National Championships. This success reflects exceptional talent management, and Lassiter is among those who have contributed to the Bulldogs’ achievements while advancing to the next level.
“Georgia consistently prepares players to be NFL-ready, and you can see that year after year since Smart took over. These athletes are plug-and-play types, which speaks volumes about him and his program. When you draft a Georgia player, you know you’re getting an NFL-caliber talent,” Ryans stated.
Despite being a rookie, Lassiter has made a notable impact with the Texans, particularly against the team’s strong wide receiver corps during training camp. He has the potential to develop into a solid NFL player.
“Kamari shows up every day,” Ryans remarked. “He’s quiet but focused and intense. You might not notice him much because he consistently does his job.”
Calls for the Houston Texans to bench wide receiver.
The NFL preseason has concluded, and teams are now focused on finalizing their 53-man rosters. This process presents numerous challenges for front offices as they make difficult decisions regarding their lineups.
For the Houston Texans, the challenge lies in determining which wide receivers to cut. With an elite trio consisting of Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell, the question remains about the depth behind them.
Identifying a WR4 for the Texans has become challenging after the preseason, as the competition remains tight, but one wide receiver is likely to be cut before the regular season. Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon suggests that Noah Brown should be the player the Texans let go.
“The depth in the Texans’ receiving corps is a good problem to have, but it’s still a problem. They simply can’t keep everyone,” Kenyon wrote. “Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell are secure, but there are logical reasons to release either Noah Brown, John Metchie III, or Robert Woods—especially if Xavier Hutchinson has proven he deserves a spot. Metchie’s potential and Woods’ veteran experience could lead Houston to part ways with Brown.”
Metchie seems to be the ideal candidate for the WR4 position in Houston, showcasing starter-level talent. Woods is a reliable player, and Hutchinson presents an intriguing option for significant playing time, leaving Brown as the likely odd man out.
Deciding between cutting Brown or Woods won’t be easy, as the other two appear to have earned their spots on the regular season roster. Nevertheless, with Metchie and Hutchinson capable of contributing regularly, making the “wrong” choice wouldn’t severely impact the team. Ultimately, all of them can provide support when the starters need a break.
Leave a Reply