Joe Mixon has quietly become one of the best all-around running backs in football.
The Bengals runner missed two games last year, yet still managed to lead the AFC in rushing yards. In 14 games last season he ran for 1,168 yards with a gaudy 4.9 yards per carry. He’s a dual-threat back as well, chipping in 73 receptions in just two seasons.
ESPN likes the versatile third-year back to be productive both on the ground and through the air this season. Mixon is projected to total 1,219 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 269 carries, as well as adding 368 yards and once more score through the air.
Cincinnati has taken steps to ensure Mixon thrives, as well. Though their offensive line was in shambles last season, the Bengals have done well to fortify the line in the offseason.
Guard John Miller comes over from Buffalo via free agency. Miller was part of an offensive line that finished in the top ten in rushing each of Miller’s four seasons. Cincinnati then turned to the draft to finish the job.
Pro Football Focus ranked first-round offensive tackle Jonah Williams second in run-blocking among all tackles in this year’s class. The Bengals doubled down on run blockers in the second round with the selection of tight end Drew Sample, the top-ranked run blocking TE.
Despite a lack of depth at the position, Mixon is the clear-cut leader of the Bengals' backfield. He will benefit the most from the Bengals new commitment to the running game. A team that fielded one of the worst defenses in the league a year ago, Mixon can be the Bengals' great equalizer in 2019.
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