Raiders Defensive Coordinator Looks Forward To Challenge Of Containing Dameon Pierce
Oct 18, 2022, 6:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Dameon Pierce #31 of the Houston Texans is tackled by Rayshawn Jenkins #2 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at TIAA Bank Field on October 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Despite their 1-3-1 record, the Houston Texans are decent in the Red Zone.
The team currently ranks 10th in the league in Red Zone Scoring Percentage. One of the reasons why is Texans’ running back Dameon Pierce. The rookie has scored three touchdowns on 412 yards rushing.
Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham joked with the media that he doesn’t like that he has to play him on Sunday.
“I appreciate good football players and good football,” Graham said. “This dud is dynamic, he runs violently, I mean violent. He’s a hard tackle. He’s really impressive, especially for a guy that’s so young. I mean he’s running the ball with intentions. And again, as a defensive coach, you appreciate that part of it, you appreciate the challenge.”
Graham also praise quarterback Davis Mills as someone who makes smart decisions in the red zone, too.
“Mills is doing a really good job of controlling the line of scrimmage and getting the right play out,” Graham said. “That’s from the guidance, I think. In my mind, it’s a reflection of their head coach, Lovie Smith. Pep Hamilton, I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times. I mean, smart, tough guys, and you can see that on the tape from their team.”
The team also announced Nate Hobbs has been placed on injured reserve. The starting cornerback announced on his social media that he broke a bone in his hand during the Chiefs’ loss.
“Any time a player gets set back because of injuries, especially a player of Nate’s caliber, it’s always next man up,” Graham said. “It’s a collision sport, injuries are going to occur, you just hope he’s doing what he has to do to get better and we get him back as soon as possible.”
Click here to watch the full press conference.
🔴🎥 Live: Offensive Coordinator Mick Lombardi and Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham address the media from the Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center. https://t.co/KYWx2fyKUg
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 18, 2022
