Could Joe Mixon really lead the NFL in rushing in 2019?
NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger thinks Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon could end up leading the NFL in rushing in 2019.
On the latest episode of the NFL Mocks Podcast, host Brooks Austin and I discussed the Athlon Sports 2019 All-American teams as well as some flaming hot football takes from around the web.
One of those hot takes was from NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger, an analyst I greatly respect, giving 10 reasons why he thinks Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon can be the NFL’s rushing king in 2019.
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In the 2018 season, Mixon rushed for 1,168 yards on 237 carries with eight touchdowns. He also caught 43 passes and as Baldinger noted in that video linked above, he didn’t fumble a single time in 280 touches offensively.
That’s rather impressive.
Despite Mixon’s ball security, it’s hard for me to believe he will eat up so many carries for the Bengals that he will be able to lead the NFL in rushing. It’s not impossible, but it’s a very bold, dare I say ‘hot’, take by Baldinger.
Mixon is new to this ‘heavy workload’ thing. He never reached 200 carries at Oklahoma. In his last four years of football — two at Oklahoma, two with the Bengals — his 280 touches in the 2018 season are the most he’s had.
That’s not to say he can’t handle a heavier workload. On the contrary, Mixon’s usage could actually bode well for him in terms of being able to take on more work this season.
However, the Bengals may be playing from behind. Andy Dalton is their quarterback and although he’s not Patrick Mahomes, his style of play doesn’t necessitate a running back takes on 350 touches, and I think Mixon would have to get pretty close to 300 carries or more to lead the league in rushing.
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Mixon may have the ability to lead the NFL in rushing, but will they put the ball in his hands enough to see him do it? I’m not so sure.