Cincinnati Bengals: 3 bold predictions for Joe Mixon in 2021
By Alex Austin
Cincinnati Bengals rely more on passing than rushing with Joe Mixon
When Mixon has started at least 13 games he has rushed for over 1,100 yards. In his rookie season, he was in and out and did not hit the mark, as well as last season when injury cut his year short.
Even last year, however, he was on track to eclipse the 1,100-yard mark before he went down with an injury. In 2021, Mixon will start every game, but not hit the 1,100-yard mark.
This is nothing against Mixon as a running back, but more on where it seems like the Bengals are taking their offense.
Burrow will need plenty of passing attempts to give Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd enough looks to keep them happy. Needing to throw the ball more means Cincinnati could rely less on rushing the ball. While Zac Taylor will need to include running the ball, Mixon may see fewer carriers than in previous seasons.
Even with a 17 game season, Mixon could realistically rush for around 900 rushing yards total. Rather than around 17 carries per game, Mixon might get closer to 13 to account for the bevy of wide receivers. With less production, however, Mixon will still be a key factor in the Bengals success.