Get ready to see a new version of Joe Mixon fit down in Houston.
It’s not just in fit for an offense, but also in fit for threads.
Joe Mixon in his new Texans threads 🔥
(📸via @HoustonTexans) pic.twitter.com/2WzUxl8p7P
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) July 3, 2024
Mixon, the new Texans running back, donned the team’s new home uniform for the first time on social media this week during a photo shoot for promotional deals. Despite leaving Cincinnati, Mixon won’t be switching off of No. 28, something he’s worn since entering the league in 2017.
A former second-round pick out of Oklahoma, Mixon is expected to be the bell-cow back for the Texans well past 2024. Houston traded a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Bengals earlier this offseason to acquire the former Pro Bowler and quickly inked him to a new three-year, $27 million extension.
While Mixon will turn 28 this month, there’s no sign of a dropoff in production. Last season, he posted his fourth 1,000-yard season while averaging over 4.0 yards per run. He also remained an asset in the passing game with 52 catches and three touchdowns.
Beautiful patience from Joe Mixon before accelerating into a nice cut and powering to the endzone.
These qualities are encouraging that Mixon should find ample success in Houston's gap concepts – especially while defenses are terrified about C.J. Stroud and the passing game pic.twitter.com/YEGgtpw1Yx
— John Crumpler, MD (@JohnHCrumpler) March 14, 2024
Earlier this offseason, DeMeco Ryans said Mixon’s age should dwindle his success through seven seasons. Houston wanted to target a “playmaker” to upgrade their woeful ground game and believes Mixon fits the mold.
“He’s been consistent throughout his entire career — a guy who can move the chains for you, a guy who can open up the passing game with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield,” Ryans said before the draft. “He just opens up the things that we can do offensively.”
While still adjusting to the new offensive approach, Mixon has impressed not only his teammates but also the coaches.
“It doesn’t matter what run scheme you run, he has run zone schemes, he has run gap schemes, he has been used as a receiver, he has really done everything,” Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said.
Mixon, who ranks seventh among running backs in touchdowns (49), will reunite with C.J. Stroud, Stefon Diggs and the rest of the Texans when training camp begins at NRG Stadium on July 18.
