Dameon Pierce’s 'Beast Mode' run through the teeth of the Jaguars’ defense perfectly punctuated a grimy Texans’ upset

No one expects the Texans to be a contender or even an AFC power player this year. In the first season under head coach Lovie Smith, Houston is firmly in a developmental, rebuilding, “let’s just see what we have” phase.

Despite their bare-bones status, it doesn’t mean Houston will shy away from playing spoiler. Especially within their own division.

Sunday saw the Texans and Smith ruin the darling Jaguars’ afternoon with a 13-6 upset. Trevor Lawrence (two picks) never quite got it going against Houston’s defense, but that wasn’t the story of the day. It was Dameon Pierce playing the role of bully and imposing his will whenever he wanted. Just like on this 20-yard, bruising, bowling-ball fourth-quarter run that effectively gave the game to the Texans:

Dameon Pierce with the angriest of all angry runs!!!pic.twitter.com/Hj5dHwytcE

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) October 9, 2022

This is one of those plays where you think the player’s down but are pleasantly surprised when he proceeds to run over seemingly every defender on the field. Pierce was understandably exhausted after such a tremendous effort:

Texans RB Dameon Pierce on the 20-yard run: "I ain't going to lie bro, what I was really feeling was tired."

— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) October 9, 2022

The issue for the Jaguars was that they also seemed to be surprised Pierce (26 carries, 99 yards, one touchdown) was still running, as he eventually scored the game-winner on the same possession.

It was also a good lesson for all you football coaches out there: Put the ball in the hands of your best player and watch him use opposing tacklers like pins at the bowling alley. It never fails.