The Cincinnati Bengals will have a new look after replacing Marvin Lewis with Zac Taylor. This means a new outlook for running back Joe Mixon.
Lewis coached for 16 seasons with the Bengals but failed to capitalize in the playoffs when he did make the postseason. Bringing in a bright, new face in Taylor has brought some much-needed excitement back to the Bengals. Taylor comes from Sean McVay's coaching staff. People around the NFL salivate over the thought of getting their own version of McVay.
With the hiring of Taylor and Brian Callahan, Cincinnati is obviously shifting its focus to the offensive side of the ball. Being ranked 26th in total offense in 2018 is a good place to start in terms of explaining why the Bengals went this route.
Nevertheless, Andy Dalton, Joe Mixon, and A.J. Green should be able to improve the offense with help from the overhaul of the previous regime. In particular, Mixon figures to get a larger workload in 2019.
The third-year running back was finally given the reins as the starting running back in 2018. He is ready to break out in 2019. Here are three numbers to target for Joe Mixon in 2019.
3. 300 Touches
With Callahan calling plays, it seems there will be more touches coming for Mixon.
Mixon is a very talented running back who is capable of being an every-down back in the NFL. At just 22 years old, Mixon is set to be the focal point of the Bengals' offense for the coming years.
Last season, Cincinnati's running game left a lot to be desired. The team ranked 21st in the NFL. There's no reason why the Bengals shouldn't crack the top 15 teams in rushing in 2019.
If Mixon does get more touches in the offense, the young running back should easily exceed 300 total touches in the upcoming season.
2. 50 Receptions
One of the next steps Mixon can take to improve as a running back is to become a bigger factor in the passing game. In his two seasons in Cincinnati, Mixon has gradually gotten better as a pass catcher.
In 2018, Mixon was able to corral 43 receptions for 296 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers aren't too bad for his first time in a lead role, but he can definitely improve upon them.
Dalton is trying to rejuvenate his career under center. Sometimes a quarterback's best friend can be the running back. The veteran quarterback will likely look in Mixon's direction, netting him more receptions.
Mixon continues to improve as a receiving threat out of the backfield and will do so once again in 2019. It isn't hard to imagine that Mixon will surpass 50 receptions in his third season.
1. 12 Total Touchdowns
Touchdowns. Touchdowns. More touchdowns. Touchdowns are the most important stat besides wins, but scoring touchdowns can result in more “Ws.”
Nevertheless, the Bengals' offense was in the middle of the pack team in scoring last season. Cincinnati ranked 17th, scoring 23 points per game.
Running backs in today's NFL are expected to be a threat through the air and on the ground. If they aren't, the team can't rely on that back to be an every-down guy.
Mixon wants to become an every-down back in the NFL and will need to show his worth in both facets of the offense. That means scoring touchdowns by running and catching.
Last season, Mixon had a career-high nine touchdowns but he should register a slight uptick in opportunities to score in 2019. The Bengals' running back should have a chance at getting double-digit touchdowns, possibly 12 or more of them.
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