Maybe losing Nico Collins wasn’t a death sentence for the Houston Texans’ offense.
Maybe Joe Mixon is just getting warmed up.
Mixon, who missed three games with an ankle injury, seemed to prove that he’s not slowing down after a seven-year run with the Cincinnati Bengals after rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s 41-21 win over the New England Patriots.
The 2021 Pro Bowler also tacked on 30 receiving yards and scored on a 10-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud in the first quarter.
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“He’s got great vision, hits it as hard as he can, just a great feel for the game, a great feel to set his blocks up,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “When our O-line is blocking the way they did and he’s setting up blocks, it’s a recipe for success.”
While Cincinnati believed Mixon’s best days were behind him, Houston has been reaping the benefits of a newfound spark in the 28-year-old. Sunday marked Mixon’s second 100-yard rushing performance in three games and second outing with at least 130 total yards.
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After what looked like a slow start, Mixon broke free in the second quarter with a 57-yard run to set up Houston inside New England’s 20. He also turned on the jets in the third quarter to go untouched for a 20-yard touchdown.
“I felt a big weight off my shoulders,” Mixon said. “Missing time and going out there with my brothers, going out there competing and obviously trying to do whatever we can to come out with the dub. It’s a hell of a feeling. I know the player that I am and I’m just happy that I’m able to showcase that right now.”
As a unit, the Texans averaged 6.9 yards per attempt. Mixon averaged 7.8 yards and 4.3 yards after contact. He was leading the NFL in rushing yards before suffering an ankle injury in Week 2’s win over the Chicago Bears and ranked third in yards per attempt.
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Performances like Sunday’s leaves little doubt that the Texans’ offense isn’t among the league’s more explosive units when at complete strength.
“I’m just happy everybody trusted in the scheme and everybody’s technique,” Mixon said.
Since Mixon didn’t miss a beat in his return, he’s Texans Wire’s Player of the Game for Week 6 and joins kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn as the only other multi-recipient of the award.
The Texans travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 7 at noon CT.
