The Cincinnati Bengals' playoff hopes appear to have been shot in the head point-blank when news of Joe Burrow's season-ending wrist surgery broke. With the Bengals' QB1 out, no one could have expected backup quarterback Jake Browning to step up the way he did. But in just his second career start, Browning led the Bengals to a 34-31 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in overtime. However, it wasn't just Browning who had an incredible game, as running back Joe Mixon also did his part in leading the team to a single-game high in points this season.

With the Jaguars fretting about Browning's ability to hit his wide receivers on the dot, including a 75-yard touchdown play on a nice connection with Ja'Marr Chase, the defense opened up over and over again for Mixon to do damage. He had 19 carries and tallied 68 yards, with two of those carries resulting in touchdowns, and to make matters even better for the 27-year old running back, Browning also found him on the catch six times for a total of 49 yards.

Usually, it's Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase that is the lifeline of the Bengals' offense. But it almost always tends to be a good day for Cincinnati whenever Joe Mixon scores. According to StatMuse, the Bengals are 4-1 this season when Mixon scores, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Houston Texans in Week 10. That is no mean feat, as the Bengals are just 6-6 this season.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban and Cincinnati Bengals draft pick Amarius Mims in flames

Sonny Giuliano ·

Bengals Trey Hendrickson contract retirement

Peter Sampson ·

Joe Burrow mentor Zac Taylor amid Pro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson wanting a trade out of the Bengals

Jay Postrado ·

It's fair to question whether it's Mixon who acted as the driving force in those wins or whether Mixon scoring is just a sign that the Bengals are playing well enough to win. But there's certainly a case to be made that the Bengals should have a greater focus on getting the ball to Mixon's hands, as good things tend to happen whenever he has the opportunities to make plays.

And with Joe Burrow out, there will be increased burden on the Bengals offensive players to their job in a much better way, especially when there's plenty of uncertainty surrounding the sustainability of Jake Browning's efforts. But at the very least, Joe Mixon looks like he's ready for when his number is called.