Dameon Pierce turned in a career performance in the Texans' Week 18 win at Tennessee.
The running back carried the ball 19 times for a career-best 176 yards in the 23-14 victory over the Titans at Nissan Stadium. His 92-yard touchdown burst in the second quarter was the longest run of his career, and the second longest run in franchise history. Only Pierce and Arian Foster have run for more than 175 yards in a game in Texans history, and it was the third time in his career Pierce has gone for more than 100 in a game.
"To have over 170 yards rushing and a long run, it was really good to see him be productive and make plays for us in the running game," Head Coach DeMeco Ryans said.
On the opening series, starter Joe Mixon carried five times for 23 yards, which pushed him over 1,000 yards on the season. Pierce came in after, and shined.
During his postgame speech to the team in the visitor's locker room, Ryans tossed Pierce a game ball for his heroics on the day.
"Our whole entire sideline was excited to see him play the way he's played for us," Ryans said. "He maximized his opportunities today with the carries that he had. Made some really big runs for us. So I was excited."
Pierce and the Texans will host either the Chargers or Steelers next weekend in a Wild Card Playoff at NRG Stadium.
