Joe Mixon - Page 26 - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Could play a few more third downs Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan prefers resting Mixon on third down rather than early downs, but Callahan did say he'd like to see "maybe a little bit more usage on th...

Impact Backup Samaje Perine isn't a better pass catcher than Mixon, but Perine did solid work last year, and the Bengals prefer to rest their starter on downs where a run play is unlikely. Coach Zac Taylor noted that more targets for Mixon would mean less for someone else, specifically naming star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Given that the team still has Perine -- plus another potential passing down back in 2021 sixth-round pick Chris Evans -- it's unlikely this will be the year Mixon gets regular work on third downs. It's been a topic of discussion among fantasy players nearly every season of his career, with some thinking it would happen in 2021 after RB Giovani Bernard ended his eight-year run in Cincinnati. Instead, Mixon found fantasy success with career highs for carries (292), rushing yards (1,205) and touchdowns (16 total), while his mark of 2.6 receptions per game was identical to his career number. Even if he doesn't catch more passes, Mixon has an opportunity to match or exceed his numbers from last year after the Bengals signed three experienced O-line starters (La'el Collins, Alex Cappa and Ted Karras) in the offseason.

JULY 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Stars in trick-play score Mixon rushed the ball 15 times for 72 yards in Sunday's 23-20 Super Bowl LVI loss to the Rams. He added five receptions for one yard and also threw a six-yard touchdown.

Impact Mixon was effective as a rusher, delivering three gains of at least 10 yards. However, his primary impact came midway through the second quarter when he delivered a six-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins in the back corner of the end zone on a trick play. Mixon posted one of his better games of the postseason and combined to record 160 rushing yards combined between the AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl. He'll return to Cincinnati as the team's lead back for the 2022 season, and it's possible that he'll have more running lanes if the Bengals upgrade their offensive line during the offseason.

FEBRUARY 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE