Bengals running back Joe Mixon predicts a career year for himself in 2023
The legacy Joe Mixon wants to create as an NFL running back is one that's exclusively with the Cincinnati Bengals. Now seven years into his career, Mixon doesn't see a future that involves him playing anywhere else. "Not many guys play for just one team," Mixon told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "I want to be […]
The legacy Joe Mixon wants to create as an NFL running back is one that's exclusively with the Cincinnati Bengals. Now seven years into his career, Mixon doesn't see a future that involves him playing anywhere else.
"Not many guys play for just one team," Mixon told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "I want to be that person."
Mixon helped keep that possibility alive by taking a two-year pay cut last month, keeping him under contract for a reasonable price through 2024. Before that year arrives, he's got lofty plans for the current season.
Mixon's best season as a pro came in 2021 when the Bengals became AFC champions for the first time since 1988. He posted career-highs in rushing yards (1,205) and touchdowns (13) before adding on to both in the postseason.
That season earned him his first Pro Bowl honor. He would likely get another if he tops those numbers this year, which is what he expects to do.
"Look at the year we went to the Super Bowl. That's literally what you'll see this year. If not more. You'll see more," Mixon said, "But I've always had a big role in this offense. That will never change. At least while I'm here. But at the same time, I'll just try to be the best player out there. To help my team win."
One thing's almost for certain: Mixon will not have as many carries to make that become a reality. He rushed the ball 292(!) times during the 2021 campaign and was given the rock 67 more times in the playoffs. The Bengals' offense is simply not predicated around 300+ carries for a single running back, but that may not matter for Mixon.
The running back room has changed since two years ago. Samaje Perine is no longer in the picture, which puts more of the onus on Mixon to carry the load. The lion's share will still fall on him, and he'll benefit from another change.
Cincinnati's offensive line is expected to be the best Mixon has ever had in his career. Orlando Brown Jr. playing next to the trio of interior blockers from last year with Jonah Williams likely to be the bookend tackle makes for a line that's a lot more stable than Mixon's been used to. There's also a greater understanding of what works with the run game with this configuration of linemen, meaning the scheme is in a better place as well.
Mixon may not average close to 20 carries a game like he did two years ago, but his efficiency should rise all the same. That will be the key for him to top his career-high numbers from that historic season.
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Featured image via © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
