Keep Texans Talk Google Ad Free!
Venmo Tip Jar | Paypal Tip Jar
Thanks for your support! 🍺😎👍

Is Pearce the answer at RB2?

In today’s Chronicle, Jonathon Alexander says that DP is #2, and Dare is #3…and Cam and the rookies are vying for #4 if the Texans elect to go with four.

It wasn’t clear if this is his opinion or if he has some inside knowledge. All I know is after watching all the PS games and each RB…DP is the worst RB on this roster as it stands today. Can he get better? Sure I mean anything is possible and on the table. But I don’t personally see how he sticks on this roster, and certainly not as the #2 guy. Akers should be that guy..hands down.
 
Porky said:
In today’s Chronicle, Jonathon Alexander says that DP is #2, and Dare is #3…and Cam and the rookies are vying for #4 if the Texans elect to go with four.

It wasn’t clear if this is his opinion or if he has some inside knowledge. All I know is after watching all the PS games and each RB…DP is the worst RB on this roster as it stands today. Can he get better? Sure I mean anything is possible and on the table. But I don’t personally see how he sticks on this roster, and certainly not as the #2 guy. Akers should be that guy..hands down.
Click to expand...

Akers will be reinjured again during the season, it's inevitable. Then who's number 2? I agree with Pierce shouldn't be on the final roster. We should go ahead and get what we can for him now. I've seen several RBs so far this preseason that have shown me more than Pierce. But I'm sure that Pierce will be on the final roster whether we like it or not.
 
Thorn said:
Akers will be reinjured again during the season, it's inevitable. Then who's number 2? I agree with Pierce shouldn't be on the final roster. We should go ahead and get what we can for him now. I've seen several RBs so far this preseason that have shown me more than Pierce. But I'm sure that Pierce will be on the final roster whether we like it or not.
Click to expand...
I hope not because if its performance based he is def behind everyone in the RB room to include the undrafted rookies
 
Well it’s going to come to a head soon enough. We are what…not much more than a week away from cut day correct?
 
Porky said:
In today’s Chronicle, Jonathon Alexander says that DP is #2, and Dare is #3…and Cam and the rookies are vying for #4 if the Texans elect to go with four.

It wasn’t clear if this is his opinion or if he has some inside knowledge. All I know is after watching all the PS games and each RB…DP is the worst RB on this roster as it stands today. Can he get better? Sure I mean anything is possible and on the table. But I don’t personally see how he sticks on this roster, and certainly not as the #2 guy. Akers should be that guy..hands down.
Click to expand...
Didn’t know Chronicle was still even a thing?

:mcclain:
 
O
beerlover said:
Didn’t know Chronicle was still even a thing?

:mcclain:
Click to expand...

I get the e-edition for roughly $6 someodd per month. It’s a good deal, and their Texans coverage is top notch. Better than when McClain was there imho. So yes it’s still a thing and I actually recommend the e-edition. I also enjoy the features and opinion sections. I read it on my I-pad pro at breakfast.

Today, Alexander says Pierce is a “lock” to make the team. I know the coaches and his teammates love him, but it’s a results business. You can make all the excuses you want…but he isnt making anyone miss, isnt running anyone over, isn’t finding the right lane or his cutback, and continues to be the worst RB in camp. How that makes him a lock is beyond me, but if they let Akers go or can’t sneak Jordan through waivers…it will be a travesty of justice.
 
Porky said:
O


I get the e-edition for roughly $6 someodd per month. It’s a good deal, and their Texans coverage is top notch. Better than when McClain was there imho. So yes it’s still a thing and I actually recommend the e-edition. I also enjoy the features and opinion sections. I read it on my I-pad pro at breakfast.

Today, Alexander says Pierce is a “lock” to make the team. I know the coaches and his teammates love him, but it’s a results business. You can make all the excuses you want…but he isnt making anyone miss, isnt running anyone over, isn’t finding the right lane or his cutback, and continues to be the worst RB in camp. How that makes him a lock is beyond me, but if they let Akers go or can’t sneak Jordan through waivers…it will be a travesty of justice.
Click to expand...

I still miss the actual weekend paper out of nostalgia more than anything. But there is no way Alexander has any inside information on the Texans roster ('protect the team' and all of that.) With so much talent on board, the Texans can't afford a roster spot for someone who can't play his own position. The only possible way this is true, is if Slowik has some magical gap scheme that Pierce has excelled at in non-pubic practices...and I don't buy that for a second.
 
cland said:
I still miss the actual weekend paper out of nostalgia more than anything. But there is no way Alexander has any inside information on the Texans roster ('protect the team' and all of that.) With so much talent on board, the Texans can't afford a roster spot for someone who can't play his own position. The only possible way this is true, is if Slowik has some magical gap scheme that Pierce has excelled at in non-pubic practices...and I don't buy that for a second.
Click to expand...
I remember waiting for my dad to finish the Houston Chronicle on the weekends and then the Houston post for my review. I would hit the sports section first, and then the comics, and then the business section. Tbh, I used to read just about everything in the paper form. The delivery service was horrible every time I would start a new subscription. I stopped decades ago.
 
TexansBull said:
Create a poll on whether he will be traded or released. Everyone loves a poll.

Personally - my guess is he gets traded for a 6th that turns into a conditional 5th.
Click to expand...

I'd love that to be the case, but anyone trading for him will have seen his preseason film. Prior to the Giants game I thought we could use him to skip the waiver wire on another FA, at this point I can't imagine we'd get any real value.
 
cland said:
I'd love that to be the case, but anyone trading for him will have seen his preseason film. Prior to the Giants game I thought we could use him to skip the waiver wire on another FA, at this point I can't imagine we'd get any real value.
Click to expand...

Any pick Tricky Nick can get is better than just releasing him for nothing. If, of course, he can get anything for him. A 7th rounder is better than nothing.
 
Porky said:
O


I get the e-edition for roughly $6 someodd per month. It’s a good deal, and their Texans coverage is top notch. Better than when McClain was there imho. So yes it’s still a thing and I actually recommend the e-edition. I also enjoy the features and opinion sections. I read it on my I-pad pro at breakfast.

Today, Alexander says Pierce is a “lock” to make the team. I know the coaches and his teammates love him, but it’s a results business. You can make all the excuses you want…but he isnt making anyone miss, isnt running anyone over, isn’t finding the right lane or his cutback, and continues to be the worst RB in camp. How that makes him a lock is beyond me, but if they let Akers go or can’t sneak Jordan through waivers…it will be a travesty of justice.
Click to expand...
Personally I do think the Pierce experiment in this system should be nearing it's end and I'd probably cut him myself.

That said the likes of Jordan and Brooks should be quite easy to get through waivers.
 
In todays Chronicle, Alexander shifted his position in the last two days. He went from DP is a lock and is the unquestioned #2 to today likely (but no lock) of making the team and in the mix with Dare for that #3 or #4 spot.

And he has gone from Akers fighting for a last spot to being the #2 back. All of this in the last two days. Not sure if his opinion shifted, or he’s hearing/seeing something out of the Texans that is making him adjust.

Either way, I think he is now closer to being right. To me Akers is the absolute lock to be the 2nd back. He has way exceeded my expectations considering the injury, and he gives us a legit one-two punch with Mixon. From there, it’s mostly about special teams anyway. If they think there is still something they can bring out of DP if they continue working with him AND they like him on teams…I’m fine with keeping him. Just not as #2. Bring him in for mop up duty during the season and see if he’s making progress. Or just cut him. I’m ok as long as he isn’t #2.

I would really like to keep Jordan and Brooks on the PS. I see some upside in both young men.
 
Porky said:
In todays Chronicle, Alexander shifted his position in the last two days. He went from DP is a lock and is the unquestioned #2 to today likely (but no lock) of making the team and in the mix with Dare for that #3 or #4 spot.

And he has gone from Akers fighting for a last spot to being the #2 back. All of this in the last two days. Not sure if his opinion shifted, or he’s hearing/seeing something out of the Texans that is making him adjust.

Either way, I think he is now closer to being right. To me Akers is the absolute lock to be the 2nd back. He has way exceeded my expectations considering the injury, and he gives us a legit one-two punch with Mixon. From there, it’s mostly about special teams anyway. If they think there is still something they can bring out of DP if they continue working with him AND they like him on teams…I’m fine with keeping him. Just not as #2. Bring him in for mop up duty during the season and see if he’s making progress. Or just cut him. I’m ok as long as he isn’t #2.

I would really like to keep Jordan and Brooks on the PS. I see some upside in both young men.
Click to expand...
I agree, and really hope that DP isnt #3 or 4...that moves up Akers as 2 and then we keep both Jordan and Brooks...I'll even take them cutting beck and putting Brooks in at that roster spot.
 
I'm so ready for Pierce to no longer be our problem. I'm pretty sure British Brooks or Jawar Jordan can pick up DP's 1-2 ypc without even busting a sweat.
 
Porky said:
In todays Chronicle, Alexander shifted his position in the last two days. He went from DP is a lock and is the unquestioned #2 to today likely (but no lock) of making the team and in the mix with Dare for that #3 or #4 spot.

And he has gone from Akers fighting for a last spot to being the #2 back. All of this in the last two days. Not sure if his opinion shifted, or he’s hearing/seeing something out of the Texans that is making him adjust.

Either way, I think he is now closer to being right. To me Akers is the absolute lock to be the 2nd back. He has way exceeded my expectations considering the injury, and he gives us a legit one-two punch with Mixon. From there, it’s mostly about special teams anyway. If they think there is still something they can bring out of DP if they continue working with him AND they like him on teams…I’m fine with keeping him. Just not as #2. Bring him in for mop up duty during the season and see if he’s making progress. Or just cut him. I’m ok as long as he isn’t #2.

I would really like to keep Jordan and Brooks on the PS. I see some upside in both young men.
Click to expand...
I'm in full agreement with you here Porky. I think Akers is solidly the #2. I also really like Jordan and Brooks and I'm confident we can get both on the PS. If the team really had balls they'd cut Pierce and give Brooks the #4 job because he's done some things on special teams already - I don't think they will though.

My prediction for how this goes down is I think they'll still stubbornly try and make Pierce work. Eventually he'll be cut and another team will claim him. They'll eventually cut him as well and I predict Pierce ends the season back on our squad as the #4 or ends it on our practice squad.
 
Porky said:
In todays Chronicle, Alexander shifted his position in the last two days. He went from DP is a lock and is the unquestioned #2 to today likely (but no lock) of making the team and in the mix with Dare for that #3 or #4 spot.

And he has gone from Akers fighting for a last spot to being the #2 back. All of this in the last two days. Not sure if his opinion shifted, or he’s hearing/seeing something out of the Texans that is making him adjust.

Either way, I think he is now closer to being right. To me Akers is the absolute lock to be the 2nd back. He has way exceeded my expectations considering the injury, and he gives us a legit one-two punch with Mixon. From there, it’s mostly about special teams anyway. If they think there is still something they can bring out of DP if they continue working with him AND they like him on teams…I’m fine with keeping him. Just not as #2. Bring him in for mop up duty during the season and see if he’s making progress. Or just cut him. I’m ok as long as he isn’t #2.

I would really like to keep Jordan and Brooks on the PS. I see some upside in both young men.
Click to expand...
Driving home today, the guys on 610 radio were discussing what I guess is the article you're referring to. I just caught the tail end of it but they had decided they were going to rethink their position also. To me, they did not have much of a position if one article from a non-team source can switch their opinion.
 
Alex Gibbs used to have the RBs sit in on the Online meetings.. His backs and his online worked in unison. I still can't believe he isn't in the HOF. Greatest Oline coach ever, who's blocking concepts revolutionized the game. Not only that, his ability to self scout the players that he needed for his scheme was next level. He was the main reason why Duane Brown was drafted. A pick alot of talking heads questioned at the time. Duane Brown was the PERFECT LT for the zbs.
 
Seems there is a strong consensus that Pierce will not be RB#2 and I agree. Big question is who will be when Akers gets injured again?
 
They are unlikely to rely on untested rookies in a season like this. Think about Jordan trying to hold up against a rushing LB or safety and he runs him over and crushes CJ, who is now crumpled on the ground writhing in pain. No way in hell guys. No freaking way are they allowing that. This may not even be the final mix going into the season. A trade or a waiver wire pickup is possible, and in season, they can find a guy off the street or pull off a lower level trade for a vet.
 
Porky said:
In todays Chronicle, Alexander shifted his position in the last two days. He went from DP is a lock and is the unquestioned #2 to today likely (but no lock) of making the team and in the mix with Dare for that #3 or #4 spot.

And he has gone from Akers fighting for a last spot to being the #2 back. All of this in the last two days. Not sure if his opinion shifted, or he’s hearing/seeing something out of the Texans that is making him adjust.

Either way, I think he is now closer to being right. To me Akers is the absolute lock to be the 2nd back. He has way exceeded my expectations considering the injury, and he gives us a legit one-two punch with Mixon. From there, it’s mostly about special teams anyway. If they think there is still something they can bring out of DP if they continue working with him AND they like him on teams…I’m fine with keeping him. Just not as #2. Bring him in for mop up duty during the season and see if he’s making progress. Or just cut him. I’m ok as long as he isn’t #2.

I would really like to keep Jordan and Brooks on the PS. I see some upside in both young men.
Click to expand...
If NC could trade Pierce for a 6th rd pick he should take it. Time to move on and bring in fresh blood.

Mixom/Akers/Brooks with Jordan on IR is the way I would go and it's a shame that Dare has to go, but it's not like Brooks cant play ST's at a high level. Of course Ryans will lose his backup kicker if Dare is cut.
 
Carr Bombed said:
Alex Gibbs used to have the RBs sit in on the Online meetings.. His backs and his online worked in unison. I still can't believe he isn't in the HOF. Greatest Oline coach ever, who's blocking concepts revolutionized the game. Not only that, his ability to self scout the players that he needed for his scheme was next level. He was the main reason why Duane Brown was drafted. A pick alot of talking heads questioned at the time. Duane Brown was the PERFECT LT for the zbs.
Click to expand...
RIP GOAT Alex Gibbs
 
Porky said:
They are unlikely to rely on untested rookies in a season like this. Think about Jordan trying to hold up against a rushing LB or safety and he runs him over and crushes CJ, who is now crumpled on the ground writhing in pain. No way in hell guys. No freaking way are they allowing that. This may not even be the final mix going into the season. A trade or a waiver wire pickup is possible, and in season, they can find a guy off the street or pull off a lower level trade for a vet.
Click to expand...
The go with Mixon and Akers at RB1-2. If/When Akers gets hurt they will find a vet on the street. A guy like LaTavius Murray type guy.
 
steelbtexan said:
If NC could trade Pierce for a 6th rd pick he should take it. Time to move on and bring in fresh blood.

Mixom/Akers/Brooks with Jordan on IR is the way I would go and it's a shame that Dare has to go, but it's not like Brooks cant play ST's at a high level. Of course Ryans will lose his backup kicker if Dare is cut.
Click to expand...
I doubt Pierce has value at this point and I doubt it's even as much as a 6th.

For one thing Pierce's issue is he can't play in a scheme that the vast majority of the league is running. Then there's the issue of a team needing a back and valuing Pierce highly - that team really has to value that 2022 tape highly and I'm not sure there's many other Bill O'Briens running other teams right now. It's a what have you done for me lately league and lately Pierce has been dog ish.
 
NitroGSXR said:
It’s not really a big question though. It’s RB2, not RB1. It goes like this…. Next man up whoever you are.
Click to expand...
Actually to me it is a big question regarding who the next man up actually is. Beyond Mixon and Akers the experience levels really drop off and the RB styles are varied. I want to see Brooks in early to see how he performs against better competition. It’s only an intuition to me but I just feel that Brooks, from a style perspective, is the most DeMeco kind of RB left on the roster. DeMeco just doesn’t seem to want to move the football on the ground, he wants to destroy tacklers in the process under his attack philosophy.
 
Sweech said:
If Akers goes down RB2 probably isn't on the roster yet.
Click to expand...
I agree that this is the most logical outcome but if that’s the case why not make that contingent move now? In effect it is stating, in our all in year, that we don’t have anyone we trust beyond our 1and 2 yet we don’t want to upgrade the roster until forced. This could also play out, god forbid, that both our 1and 2 miss significant play time. The RB position has bothered me all camp because there seems to be so much mystery surrounding it.
 
cland said:
I'm wondering if Caserio's acquisition of Akers wasn't a little 'eh hem' signal to DeMeco, trying to tamper down his commitment to Pierce.
Click to expand...
I feel like Caserio is just as committed to Pierce especially if you listen to him when Pierce is the topic of conversation. I think the Akers acquisition was more along the lines of Caserio just loves a random punt on players.
 
Sweech said:
I feel like Caserio is just as committed to Pierce especially if you listen to him when Pierce is the topic of conversation. I think the Akers acquisition was more along the lines of Caserio just loves a random punt on players.
Click to expand...
But at the same time NC has always emphatically stated that he looks to ugrade the roster every day that he walks into his office. I believe that Pierce is being given his last chance out of respect but IMO he’s just taking away reps from others that will be on the roster or PS. I don’t know about anyone else but with our believed 1 and 2 RB’s banged up or recovering from severe injuries I’d love to see more of a commitment from NC to other RB’s on the team or for him to perform his upgrade.
 
Dejaview said:
But at the same time NC has always emphatically stated that he looks to ugrade the roster every day that he walks into his office. I believe that Pierce is being given his last chance out of respect but IMO he’s just taking away reps from others that will be on the roster or PS. I don’t know about anyone else but with our believed 1 and 2 RB’s banged up or recovering from severe injuries I’d love to see more of a commitment from NC to other RB’s on the team or for him to perform his upgrade.
Click to expand...
I agree that I think moving from Pierce and looking towards others will be in the best interest of the team. I just think they're going to be slow moving on that and it will mirror last year. I'm not even sure Akers has won the #2 job like we all think he deserves. I feel like we're all going to get a bit of deja vu where we have to make excuses about the o-line blocking etc for Pierce before just giving the job to Akers - Similar to giving it to Singletary last season.
 
Sweech said:
I agree that I think moving from Pierce and looking towards others will be in the best interest of the team. I just think they're going to be slow moving on that and it will mirror last year. I'm not even sure Akers has won the #2 job like we all think he deserves. I feel like we're all going to get a bit of deja vu where we have to make excuses about the o-line blocking etc for Pierce before just giving the job to Akers - Similar to giving it to Singletary last season.
Click to expand...

I still think the OL is an issue. Personally I've never used the OL to excuse Pierce's lack of production. If he were that same violent rusher he was as a rookie he'd have been much more productive than he was last year.

But the team is one of the worse running teams in the league. It's been that way for a while. Part of that is our OL. Can't get around it.

Another part, I think, is that the Texans seem to wait on RBs to be productive while other teams shuffle through several every year & are more productive that way. RBs aren't getting paid because it's so easy to find them, unless you're the Texans. Even before Slowick.
 
Last edited:
thunderkyss said:
I still think the OL is an issue.
Click to expand...
I think we get a good indication on where the run game is vs. the Colts. The Texans averaged 56 yards on the ground in the two 2023 games against Indy. And the Colts were in general a so-so defense vs the rush.

I'm not a guy who believes one blocking scheme is superior to another. Get the job done with a rules based blocking system. Great. Move the ball with a gap scheme. Fantastic. Just get it done. And that's how I feel about the Texans rushing attack. Make it happen.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top