Pierce is averaging fewer yards after contact and per carry than he had as a rookie in 2022.
Thus far in 2023, Pierce's numbers are down across the board. He's averaged 2.21 yards after contact (3.29 in 2022), per Pro Football Focus, and 2.9 yards per carry overall (4.3 in 2022). Pierce's outlook gets bleaker in the red zone, where he's been stopped for no gain or lost yards on eight of 12 carries (0.33 yards per carry). Some of his struggles can be chalked up to injuries along the offensive line, but Pierce's red-zone rushing didn't get any better Week 5 against Atlanta with Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard on the field together for the first time. As a team, the Texans' red-zone offense has scored touchdowns at a 35.3 percent rate, better than just two teams in the league. Pierce remains the lead back, but the coaching staff is examining ways to be better in the red area, which could involve more passing or using No. 2 back Devin Singletary more frequently.