3 Bengals who could disappoint in the 2021 season

Bengals Who Could Disappoint in 2021

1. Joe Mixon – Running Back

This may be a stretch to say that Joe Mixon could disappoint in 2021 considering his first two seasons in the backfield resulted in 1,000+ yards each. In 2020 a foot injury in Week 6, unfortunately, kept him out the rest of the season.

In doing some quick math prior to his injury, Mixon was still on pace to reach that 1,000+ yards averaging 71.3 yards per game. That was also behind a subpar line, now their line looks to be improving which also bodes well for Mixon if he can stay healthy. That could be the issue.

If Mixon begins to have health issues mixed with some antics during practice fighting with Germaine Pratt, which was a scuffle that was quickly broken up. This looks to be an isolated incident, but we know Mixon has had prior issues in college before being drafted.

If either of these issues begins to percolate then a bright-looking rookie may eat into his playing time. Another thing Mixon had going for him in his first three seasons is he really never had competition at running back.

Now, he has Jacques Patrick, who is third on the depth chart behind Mixon and Samaje Perine, but Patrick has looked rather good with the carries he has been given in the first two preseason games. Patrick had 51 yards on 17 carries against Tampa Bay and 42 yards on six carries against Washington.

Perine and Mixon have not had that many touches considering it is preseason but, with Patrick’s success he might start to eat into Mixon and Perine’s playing times. If this happens, not only will Mixon be hurting, so will his fantasy owners.

What do you guys think? Could any of these players end up disappointing this season?