Nov 26, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) avoids a tackle from Cleveland Browns cornerback Jamar Taylor (21) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
CINCINNATI — During their weekly position meetings on Friday, the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive linemen had a message for rookie running back Joe Mixon, who was averaging 2.9 yards per carry through 10 games.
“The biggest thing we talked about is, we want to finish,” center Russell Bodine said. “We told him that when the line’s been pushed a couple yards, and there’s three (yards) there, push us, push everything. Not every run is going to be a home run. Push that three into five, five into seven. Every yard matters.”
On Sunday against the winless Cleveland Browns, Mixon erupted for a career-high 114 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown. He averaged 5 yards per carry, including a 19-yard run.
“Since the Jacksonville (Nov. 5) game, just being consistent,” Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. “Making the 4-yard gain an 8-yard gain and the 2-yard gain a 5-yard gain. He got knocked back on one today and he got frustrated. You can’t get frustrated. Let the next run happen.”
Mixon didn’t start for the first seven weeks, but a season-ending ankle injury to Jeremy Hill resulted in Mixon starting the past four games. Confidence was never an issue for Mixon at the University of Oklahoma, where he was suspended for a much-publicized domestic violence incident.
By all accounts, Mixon has done and said all the right things as a Bengal. But, it has taken him a while to find his footing against NFL competition.
“Early on it was a little bit shaky,” Mixon said. “But, we keep building week by week and getting the timing right. We’ve got big expectations. I hold myself to that every week. I’m disappointed when I don’t meet them. It’s just trusting and believing in what we do.”
Sunday’s game was still in doubt when the Bengals drove 75 yards in seven plays to seal the victory. Mixon rushed for 40 yards on four carries, including an 11-yard touchdown on that drive.
“We put an emphasis on the running game this week,” tackle Andre Smith said. “We know if we can get Joe going, he’s going to work some big runs for us and he did that today. To see him run hard and lower his pads was impressive. I’m excited to block for him.”
Mixon also caught three passes on Sunday for 51 yards and appeared to do well in pass protection. It was a complete performance for Mixon.
“It means a lot,” Mixon said of his first career 100-yard game. “I plan on having many more.”
