Taking a look at Joe Mixon’s bounce back 2021 season
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon went down with a season-ending injury in 2020, but in 2021 he seems to be back on track and even better than before. Let’s break down what had led to this monster season Mixon has been putting on display through the first half of the NFL season.
Joe Mixon’s bounce-back season
Last year star running back Joe Mixon’s year was cut short due to an ankle injury in Week 6 and lingered throughout the rest of the year. Mixon ended the year 428 rushing yards, three touchdowns on 119 attempts. He also added 21 receptions.
Coming into his fifth NFL season in 2021, Mixon was more motivated than ever to prove his worth and show everyone why he is a top back in the NFL. He has demonstrated all of that and more through the first nine games of the season for the Bengals.
Joe Mixon current season stats
Mixon currently has 150 rushing attempts (second in the league), 636 yards (fourth in the league) and is also tied for fourth in touchdowns with seven. Mixon has averaged 4.2 yards per carry and has only fumbled once this season.
It is also worth noting that Derrick Henry is currently ahead in yards and touchdowns, and his season is more than likely over so Mixon could certainly end up much higher in the rankings, assuming he stays healthy.
Mixon has caught 22 passes on 25 targets this year for 194 yards and two touchdowns. He is on pace to set a career record in receptions and receiving yards and is on pace for well over 1,000 rushing yards and 10+ touchdowns, proving why he was worth every penny the Bengals paid him when they extended his contract.
In addition, Joe Mixon is one of the league’s most elusive and crafty backs with the power to break tackles and pick up yards after contact, making him even more dynamic.
Being only 25 years old and having the best season debatably so far in his career, Mixon’s production coming off a season-ending injury the year before should not go unnoticed. His ability to get stronger, smarter, and more extensive as a playmaker and offensive weapon. The Bengals have had to rely on him more with Giovani Bernard out of the picture, and he has risen to the task at hand.
According to Pro Football Focus, this season, Joe Mixon’s current 2021 grade sits at an 82.1, which is exceptionally high and is one of the best-rated running backs in the league. With all the weapons the Cincinnati Bengals have on offense to see Mixon having a career year, I wouldn’t say it is unexpected, but it is eye-opening to the level he is doing it.
His only attribute isn’t just on the field either. Mixon is the heart and soul of this team and is one of the great leaders on and off the field, and he show’s that consistently.
The journey for Mixon throughout his career has not been easy, but continued success has shown he is one of today’s elite runners in the NFL.