Joe Mixon feels like one of the more slept-on running backs in the NFL today.
But as AFC North rivals can probably attest, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star back is a patient, lethal and productive runner who likely ranks among the league’s best.
And his best may be yet to come.
As Pro Football Focus recently shared, Mixon blitzed the competition late last season, piling up 643 yards after contact in Weeks 10-17. That was second only to Derrick Henry and above names like Ezekiel Elliott.
It’s a testament to Mixon’s elite skill considering the state of the offensive line in front of him over the last two seasons. Last year just 492 of his yards came before contact (1.8 average) and yet he still managed to hit on 640-plus yards after contact while picking up 56 first downs and catching 35 passes.
It’s no secret Mixon battled minor injuries and didn’t come on until late last season. But with potential upgrades like Jonah Williams joining his offensive line and defenses likely respecting Joe Burrow’s abilities in the passing game, don’t blame fans for feeling like Mixon is just getting started.
This would also explain why the Bengals are hard at work on an extension for Mixon.
