Cincinnati’s RB Situation Is Just Fine
Syndication: The Enquirer
It’s hard to not be nostalgic about Joe Mixon’s career as a Cincinnati Bengal, especially since he had been the workhorse since he was drafted in the second round in 2017.
Make no mistake about it, Joe Mixon performed very damn well.
He became the Bengals’ second leading rusher playing behind subpar offensive lines almost his entire career.
He was the definition of “Stay down till you come up” with the Bengals.
Love for 28 always on my end.
— Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrison) March 12, 2024
He ranks third all time in franchise history in rushing yards (6,412 yards), second all time in rushing attempts (1,571) and touchdowns (49), and only fumbled six times.
Despite all this, Mixon was dealt to Houston on March 14th for a seventh round pick. The Texans immediately gave him a three year, $27 million contract extension. The acquisition gives DeMeco Ryans’ backfield new life after Dameon Pierce gravely struggled in his second year with Houston.
Mixon’s departure left fans worrying that pieces of the Bengals’ dynasty were beginning to fall apart, especially after the news of Tee Higgins wanting a trade. The night before, however, Who Dey Nation was not left empty handed. Upon the initial announcement that Mixon would be released, Cincinnati announced the acquisition of a new running back.
We are happy to report that he is no slouch.
Zack Moss… Welcome to Cincinnati! pic.twitter.com/h4S4UAO8vG
— Bengal Jim & Friends (@bengaljims_BTR) March 12, 2024
This particular game against the Titans was the best game of his career, as he totaled 23 rushes, 156 yards, and two touchdowns. This performance was the 11th best single-game fantasy performance among running backs in 2023.
While his production was up and down last season, it was the best year of Moss’ career. As a member of the Indianapolis Colts, he totaled 183 rushes for 794 yards and 5 touchdowns. He even maintained a role in the offense once Jonathan Taylor, the NFL’s top rusher from 2021, returned from injury.
Speaking of the Colts, why don’t we take a look at what Zack Moss’ new counterpart did to them last year?
#Bengals Rookie RB Chase Brown reaches a Top Speed of 22.05 MPH on this 54-yard TD.
The second-fastest speed recorded by an offensive player this season. 🔥🔥 (1. DK Metcalf) https://t.co/TEi79MXisL
— WINCINNATI (@WINCINNATI_) December 10, 2023
Chase Brown started to come into his own in the second half of the year, particularly as a receiver. Once he returned from his early season hamstring injury, he became the ultra quick, explosive, change of pace back while Mixon retained the early down role.
It would not be a surprise for Zack Moss and Chase Brown to be the Thunder and Lightning backfield that has become increasingly common in the NFL of late. As players who are both used to complementary roles in their careers, they could perhaps best be suited complementing each other in Dan Pitcher’s offense.
The Bengals also have the luxury of not needing to rely on their running backs to produce eye popping stats every single week. If Moss and Brown combine for, say, 61 rushing yards, Joe Burrow and his elite group of weapons are beyond capable of carrying the yardage load. Last season, in the five games where Joe Mixon rushed for fewer than 50 yards, the Bengals went 3-2.
Also further enabling Joe Burrow to carry the yardage load: Zack Moss’ ability as a pass blocker.
Not only is Zack Moss a more explosive runner than Joe Mixon in 2024. He is younger with far less miles on him. He’s also a far better pass blocker (everyone knows we need help there)
Zack Moss – 60.4 Pass Block Grade
Joe Mixon – 29.7 Pass Block Grade pic.twitter.com/f2rSOzWQOp
— Sammy (@sammy______G) March 12, 2024
An injury plagued 2023 for Joe Burrow means he needs about as big of a security blanket as he can get, especially since every offensive system starts with protection. Where Mixon struggles, Moss is much more effective. After the acquisitions of Moss and Trent Brown, in addition to the (hopeful) first round investment in an offensive lineman, Burrow will hopefully have enough time in the pocket to have a full dentist appointment and still be able to hit Ja’Marr Chase on a fade route. Properly protecting your quarter billion dollar quarterback should be a legal requirement, and thankfully it seems like the front office has taken that into account.
Fans may be nostalgic about their running back for the past seven years. Joe Mixon was with us through good times (the magical 2021-2022 playoff run) and bad (2-14 in 2019). He helped orchestrate a memorable trick play in the Super Bowl. He overcame being the most controversial selection in the 2017 NFL Draft due to his off-the-field issues, particularly his misdemeanor assault charge at Oklahoma, to become a fan favorite in Cincinnati.
Watching Mixon get traded felt bittersweet and may seem like a downgrade, but rest assured: the Bengals’ backfield will be just fine.
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