How does this offense adapt without Dameon Pierce?
Kubena: Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton will have to be even more creative against the Chiefs to generate yards without his leading rusher. Pierce accounted for 44 percent of the offense’s total touches, 28 percent of their scrimmage yards and 25 percent of their touchdowns.
Neither Rex Burkhead nor Dare Ogunbowale, who’ve combined for 107 yards rushing and a touchdown this season, have come close to being that productive.
So, I wouldn’t be surprised if Hamilton took players from other parts of the roster and deployed them in unconventional packages. Hamilton’s base system must establish an efficient run game. He’ll likely attempt to create ground yards again by using dual-threat quarterback Jeff Driskel in a rotation with starter Davis Mills. But I think when you look at the options remaining on the team’s active roster, Hamilton could shift toward swapping short run plays for short pass plays. He has a plethora of tight ends at his disposal, and Chris Moore and Amari Rodgers, who both profile as slot receivers, could help generate yards in the screen game.
Alexander: This is tough because the Texans have centered their offense around Pierce, who is out with an ankle injury. And when the running game isn’t working, neither is the rest of the offense. Pierce has 1,104 yards from scrimmage this season, which is more than a quarter of the Texans’ offensive production. What has made Pierce so effective is his ability to get yards after contact. How often have you seen Pierce hit in the backfield, and still take it 10+ yards.
Those are not Burkhead’s and Ogunbowale’s strengths.
But they have no choice but to move on without him. I think using Driskel in some fashion gives them the best chance. There won’t be as much of an element of a surprise as there was against the Cowboys, but Driskel can still be effective.
Teams are going to expect Driskel to run. They haven’t seen him pass much. So the Texans can using him as a decoy, or more in the passing game. It’s going to be up to Driskel to make the throws he’s asked to make, if the Texans decide to do that. Perhaps teams worrying so much about Driskel will make things easier for Ogunbowale and Burkhead. The offensive line also must have its best game and open up holes for those backs. And Davis Mills cannot throw an interception.