One of the biggest concerns for the Cincinnati Bengals going into the 2019 NFL season was the state of their offensive line. Fortunately, running back Joe Mixon does not seem to be buying into all the noise.

The Bengals struggled to piece together an experienced front this offseason. According to Tyler Dragon of the Enquirer, Mixon has dispelled any talk of them being a weak link in the chain:

“People fail to realize, they always saying our line is weak. They don’t remember we have the AFC’s leading rusher…They are failing to realize that. But we are going to wake them up soon.”

Related NewsArticle continues below
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) takes the field for the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium.
Joe Burrow reveals disappointment with another Bengals primetime game vs Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) runs onto the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium.
Joe Burrow defends Trey Hendrickson amid contract holdout
Two mystery players in the middle, Joe Burrow and coach Zac Taylor around them, Cincinnati Bengals wallpaper in the background
Cincinnati Bengals 2 best trade targets to round out 2025 roster

There is some truth to Mixon's comments. He finished the 2018 campaign leading the AFC in rushing yards with 1,168 while tacking on eight touchdowns on 237 carries. It should also be noted that he missed two games with a knee injury. It is safe to say that he is looking to build off of his breakout year.

Despite Mixon's optimism, there is still some merit behind the doubt surrounding his offensive line. The Bengals attempted to do some re-tooling up front by investing the 11th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft in left tackle Jonah Williams. However, there is little hope he will play this season after suffering a torn labrum prior to OTAs. Meanwhile, Cincinnati is relying on several other new faces such as left guard Michael Jordan and right guard John Miller to help hold down the interior.

It will undoubtedly take some time for the offensive line to find their footing together. The Bengals are hoping Mixon's skill set will help compensate for any growing pains they experience early on.