Las Vegas Raiders vs Houston 2022 Week 7: Texans to Worry About

Las Vegas Raiders vs Houston 2022 Week 7: Texans to Worry About

Dameon Pierce

Fourth-round rookie Dameon Pierce was highly advertised throughout the preseason, with the expectation that he would lead the backfield in Houston. After a slow start in which he saw just 26 carries in the first two games, Pierce has overtaken the pecking order in the past three games. He’s totaled 80+ yards on the ground in each game since Week 3, with a season-best 14 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown in Week 4.

Pierce’s 412 yards on the ground gives him the eighth-most among running backs. To their credit, the Raiders defense has been solid against the run so far this season. They are allowing the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game at 103.2. And yet given their place in the standings, that stat does not mean they can afford to overlook their opponent on Sunday.

Houston’s RB1 should be Las Vegas’ primary offensive threat to account for in Week 7. The Silver and Black cannot afford to allow Pierce to come away with any big yards after contact, thus giving momentum to the Texans. The Raiders’ track record so far is promising, but they must keep it up on Sunday.