Joe Mixon has been a solid addition for the Houston Texans this season. After they considered releasing him, the Cincinnati Bengals instead decided to trade the running back to the Texans. Mixon is one of the main reasons why the Houston Texans are on the verge of clinching a division title. Even with an early season injury, Joe Mixon went on to put up big numbers throughout the season. However, the past few weeks have been different His numbers went on to drop and offensive struggles started to become noticeable. The Texans late season struggle is showing that it will be a mediocre end of the season for Joe Mixon.
Mediocre End Of The Season For Joe Mixon
The Early Season Rise
Joe Mixon dealt with an injury at the beginning of the season which kept him out for three games. Before this injury, Mixon began to show the Texans that they made a good choice in picking him up. His week one performance against the Indianapolis Colts was excellent as he took on 30 carries for 159 yards and a rushing touchdown on top of it. Mixon showed off his consistency in four weeks. During these four weeks, Mixon put up at least 100 yards on the ground. These solid performances came against the Patriots, the Packers, the Jets, and a rematch with the Colts. Mixon also put up a rushing touchdown in each of these games as well. Joe Mixon put all of the injury concerns to the side throughout the season especially after he put up many monster performances.
Change Of Pace
The last few weeks have been a different change of pace for Joe Mixon. Coming off of their bye week, The Houston Texans have been 1-2 and have noticeably struggled on the offensive side of the ball. This became clear during their Christmas Day matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans got blown out 31-2 by a team they might meet again in the playoffs. Joe Mixon’s numbers started to change during this time. Since the bye week, the most yards Mixon rushed for was 57. This came against the Kansas City Chiefs in week 16. While his yardage took a turn, Mixon also did not find the endzone in any matchups since the bye week. Joe Mixon has a chance to turn this around in the team’s final regular season matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Looking Towards The Playoffs
The Houston Texans are sitting comfortably at the top spot in the AFC South. Even with the rough performances after the bye week, the Texans still have to be happy with their decision to trade for Joe Mixon. He has provided the team with a running back and quarterback duo. The future is bright with a young star in C.J. Stroud at quarterback and a veteran running back right next to him. It will be interesting to see how Joe Mixon handles this late-season struggle. Mixon has a chance to deflect another issue that hits him and make it forgettable by improving his play in the playoffs. The Houston Texans hope to finish the season strong and gain some momentum against whoever they face in the first round of the playoffs.
Main Image: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports
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