Another list, another high accolade for Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon.
Continuing their list of their top players at each position, the great folks over at Touchdown Wire released their top 11 running backs entering 2022. And just like Madden did this week, Mixon came in as a top-five back, sitting at No. 5.
“In any event, Mixon — who missed the cut on last year’s list of the top backs — cemented his status as one of the best at his position in the league with a 2021 season in which he had 359 carries for 1,467 yards, and 14 touchdowns behind an offensive line in desperate need of improvement in all possible ways. Only Jonathan Taylor of the Colts had more yards after contact last season (1,272) than Mixon’s 1,089, which helped a lot. And while you’d think that Cincinnati’s predilection for 3×1 sets would have opposing defenses avoiding stacking the box, Mixon ranked sixth in the league with 79 carries against eight or more defenders in the box, gaining 258 yards, 196 yards after contact, and seven of his touchdowns.”
Mixon’s usage at times will always be the $1,000,000 question, especially late in the Super Bowl. But nonetheless, 2021 showed Mixon is up there among the best of the backs in the NFL and you have to believe he’ll be there again during the season in trying to get the Bengals back to the Super Bowl.
The top four backs on the list:
- Jonathan Taylor, Colts
- Nick Chubbs, Browns
- Javonte Williams, Broncos
- Derrick Henry, Titans
