The Houston Texans enter their bye week with a record of 8-5 and the favorite to finish in first place in the AFC South division. However, the team has not quite performed to the level that many NFL insiders predicted. While it seems likely the team will make the playoffs? They will clearly have to perform at a much higher level when they face teams like the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, or Baltimore Ravens in a quest for the Super Bowl. Enter running back Joe Mixon. As the Texans offense suffered through injuries to top receivers Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, the former Bengal has consistently carried the load. If his numbers continue to trend upward, he may be the Texans’ most valuable commodity when the postseason rolls around.
Texans Offensive Star Will Be Key To Postseason Success
Joe Mixon’s Contributions Don’t Go Unnoticed
Joe Mixon is averaging 4.3 yards per carry and has gained 887 yards this season. Along the way, he’s also rushed for 11 touchdowns. He’s likewise been a reliable option as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, with 27 receptions for 244 yards and one first-round trip to the endzone.
Mixon has also been a veteran leader on the up-and-coming squad. So much so, that he was named one of the team’s captains last month. He joins quarterback C.J. Stroud, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, defensive end Will Anderson, Jr., linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, safety Jimmie Ward, and long snapper Jon Weeks as the chosen few who have been honored with the ‘C’ on the jerseys.
“One thing I love about Joe… Joe will call you out,” fellow captain CJ Stroud said. “Joe will call me out. Joe will call his linemen out. Joe will call the coaches out. He doesn’t care. Ultimately, that is what you want because at the end of the day, we all came here for one common goal, and that is to win.”
“He very much exemplifies what we believe, as far as a Texans mindset,” Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik added. “He plays fast, he is physical, he is tough, and you make sure you know it and you see it. Every time he touches the rock, and every time he goes out in practice, how he approaches the meetings. He goes about it the way everyone in the Texans organization should go about it.”
Texans will Need the Star Down the Stretch
Houston can definitely stand a little extra lift out of Joe Mixon’s legs as the regular season begins to wind down. With Stefon Diggs out for the year, teams will be more tempted to double-team Collins and blitz Stroud, his ability to move the chains will be invaluable. Especially in cold weather situations, where a power back can make all the difference in a close game.
The Texans are enjoying a bye week, but it’s going to come fast and furious when they eventually return to action. They will host the Miami Dolphins (currently 5-7) on Dec 15. Then, Houston will travel to Kansas City to face the reigning Super Bowl Champions on Dec 21, before hosting the Ravens on Christmas Day.
Main Image: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
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