Keep Texans Talk Google Ad Free!
Venmo Tip Jar | Paypal Tip Jar
Thanks for your support! 🍺😎👍

Let's talk about Joe Mixon.

Watching American Underdog last night got me doing a deep dive on the key players for the Greatest Show on Turf Rams era. Once I got to Marshall Faulk I was reminded how special a player he was… He was heavily used by both the Colts and the Rams and still put up stellar numbers. Faulk had 300+ touches seven of his first eight seasons in the league (254 in 13 games (1996)! Season nine had him at 292 touches, ten 245 touches and then the final season 109 touches.

The closest all purpose RB we’ve seen to Faulk with that level of usage since is Christian McCaffrey. Four of his seven seasons he’s gone over 300 touches, one over 400 (!). The two injury shortened seasons and rookie season were his only ones under 300. He is the centerpiece of the 49ers offense and does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

CMC came out the same year as Mixon (albeit with two injury shortened years) but has been heavily used by the Panthers and 49ers. Mixon has three seasons over 300 touches on his resume so far with one injury shortened season. He does have a 270 and 280 touch season.

Mixon is not Faulk or CMC, but he can be a tier below, which is still pretty darn good. Especially with Stroud at QB. I look at Faulk’s 8th season as a guide:


260 carries 1382 yards 12 tds

83 receptions 765 yards 9 tds

If Faulk could do that after his heavy usage 20+ years ago then surely Mixon can be a quality 300 touch back in the new less physical era with greater knowledge of recovery and athletic performance.

I think Mixon’s 2021 numbers are the expectation this season.

292 carries 1295 yards 13 tds
42 receptions 314 yards 3 tds
 
Another interesting fact I like about Mixon. He weighed 228 lbs at his combine. Pierce weighed 235 lbs. I know Pierce lost weight last season and assume Mixon probably has as well in his career. But they are both big physical RBs. We just might get the opportunity to see the running game bully some opponents this season with our thunder/thunder combo!
 
Lucky said:
Pierce weighed 218 lbs at the combine.


www.pro-football-reference.com

Dameon Pierce Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Checkout the latest stats for Dameon Pierce. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, college, draft, and more on Pro-football-reference.com.
www.pro-football-reference.com www.pro-football-reference.com
Click to expand...
Wikipedia had him at 235. Draft scout, probably most accurate since it has combine and pro day measurables puts him at 224:

Dameon Pierce - RB - Florida - 2022 Draft Scout/NCAA College Football

Dameon Pierce - RB - Florida - 2022 Draft Scout/NCAA College Football
draftscout.com

At any rate, he’s a bigger RB.

Mixon 228 on draftscout:

*Joe Mixon - RB - Oklahoma - 2017 Draft Scout/NCAA College Football

*Joe Mixon - RB - Oklahoma - 2017 Draft Scout/NCAA College Football
draftscout.com
 

NFL Legend Names Houston Texans' Joe Mixon a Top-Five Running Back Entering 2024​



After the Houston Texans season ended during the Divisional Round against the Baltimore Ravens, coach DeMeco Ryans quickly identified areas the team needed to improve upon before departing M&T Bank Stadium. When it came to the rushing attack, Ryans was determined to bring in a running back who could catapult Houston's offense.

His determination led to the Texans landing Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals. NFL legend Todd Gurley recently revealed his top-five running backs entering the 2024 season on the '25-10 Podcast, which featured Mixon at No. 3.
Click to expand...
 
steelbtexan said:
Pierce and Mixon both run angry.

Mixon has been successful in a WCO.
Click to expand...
I really think running with the QB behind center more will set Mixon up to play to his strengths. There aren’t many RBs with his size and speed. I think this offense will play to his strengths. No hesitation, make one cut and goooo! Hopefully Pierce learns from him and can play copycat when he gets his opportunities!
 
Overall I'm worried about Mixon's ability to actually be that bell cow back at his age but I think he can at the very least add the dimension of a short yardage weapon which was an area we were super weak at last season. Red zone running and getting first downs on 3rd/4th and short felt nearly impossible last season. To the point where I felt more confident in us completing a 3rd and 8 than I did us completing a 3rd and 2.
 
Sweech said:
Overall I'm worried about Mixon's ability to actually be that bell cow back at his age but I think he can at the very least add the dimension of a short yardage weapon which was an area we were super weak at last season. Red zone running and getting first downs on 3rd/4th and short felt nearly impossible last season. To the point where I felt more confident in us completing a 3rd and 8 than I did us completing a 3rd and 2.
Click to expand...
He’s only 27, a year younger than McCaffrey. He doesn’t have the amount of injuries as CM either. He hasn’t shown signs of slowing down, therefore you’re overthinking a bit there bud.
 
Houston doesn't have a good track record as far as RBs go. Draft, FA, waiver wire... we've got 1 hit in 22 years.

However, this is the 1st time the Texans landed a RB in FA so close to his productive years, which is sad in itself.
 
cland said:
I think Mixon will be a bell cow, so long as he doesn't switch to a vegetarian diet...
Click to expand...
I remember Arian doing that.

Honestly going vegetarian is super easy dietary wise it's going vegan that is the truly tough one.
 
Sweech said:
I got the joke, I just always disagree with the idea that vegetarian is a bad choice for athletes. I don't generally agree with the notion of cutting things out dietarily, but vegetarian in and of itself is fairly simple and still easy to get all your nutrients.

Especially when someone will say "because of protein" when for most athletes and just people who work out generally whey powder is often your major go-to source for protein and it is vegetarian friendly.
Click to expand...

My recollection is that Arian announced he was going on a vegetarian diet during the off-season, then during the next season he continually suffered muscle pulls and couldn't stay on the field. Now I don't know whether that was simply wear and tear, bad luck, or if his vegetarian diet wasn't covering all the nutrients he needed, but I agree with you that "if it's working, don't change it."
 
thunderkyss said:
It's bold to say that Joe Mixon may work out better than Saquon Barkley



For the spreadsheet guys
Click to expand...

As a spreadsheet guy, I certainly recognize the author pointedly says potential, but the best ability is availability and after 6 years in the league you don't sign big contracts based on potential. Then there is actual on the field production over the last three years between two guys that are 6 months apart in age.

Mixon: Averaged 1,400 yards from scrimmage. 3 total games missed. On a 3-year/$25.5 million contract.

Barkley: Averaged 1,250 yards from scrimmage. 7 total games missed. On a 3-year/$37.75 million contract.

Even if Barkley outperforms Mixon over the next three years, will it be $4 million a year worth of outperforming? IMO, other than an injury I don't see it. Especially playing with a running QB that's averaged 700+ rushing yards and 13 rushing TDs a season.
 
sandman said:
As a spreadsheet guy, I certainly recognize the author pointedly says potential, but the best ability is availability and after 6 years in the league you don't sign big contracts based on potential. Then there is actual on the field production over the last three years between two guys that are 6 months apart in age.

Mixon: Averaged 1,400 yards from scrimmage. 3 total games missed. On a 3-year/$25.5 million contract.

Barkley: Averaged 1,250 yards from scrimmage. 7 total games missed. On a 3-year/$37.75 million contract.

Even if Barkley outperforms Mixon over the next three years, will it be $4 million a year worth of outperforming? IMO, other than an injury I don't see it. Especially playing with a running QB that's averaged 700+ rushing yards and 13 rushing TDs a season.
Click to expand...
Plus Mixon is better at a big weakness the Texans had last year, short yardage success.

Mixon isn't as good as a receiver, route running and pass pro. Although Mixon isn't terrible at these things.
 
steelbtexan said:
Plus Mixon is better at a big weakness the Texans had last year, short yardage success.

Mixon isn't as good as a receiver, route running and pass pro. Although Mixon isn't terrible at these things.
Click to expand...

I can't speak to route running and pass pro, but productivity in the pass game leans towards Mixon.

Again the last three years:

Mixon - 154 receptions, 1,131 yards, 7.3 ypc

Barkley - 139 receptions, 881 yards, 6.3 ypc

That's 250 more yards on just 15 more receptions.

Barkley built a reputation on his rookie year - both rushing and receiving - that he has yet to emulate again.

But this is all spreadsheet stuff...
 
sandman said:
I can't speak to route running and pass pro, but productivity in the pass game leans towards Mixon.

Again the last three years:

Mixon - 154 receptions, 1,131 yards, 7.3 ypc

Barkley - 139 receptions, 881 yards, 6.3 ypc

That's 250 more yards on just 15 more receptions.

Barkley built a reputation on his rookie year - both rushing and receiving - that he has yet to emulate again.

But this is all spreadsheet stuff...
Click to expand...
Barkley had a really good year 2 years ago. I always worry about a guy who has had ACL surgery. I'm very happy with Mixon.
 
steelbtexan said:
Barkley had a really good year 2 years ago. I always worry about a guy who has had ACL surgery. I'm very happy with Mixon.
Click to expand...

Just to be clear, I'm not saying Barkley is a JAG. He had a great year 2 years ago. Just saying that there is nothing over his career that separates him enough from Mixon to say that the Texans should have gone after that $37.75 million price tag. I too am very happy with Mixon. Both with how his style compliments this offense and his price tag.
 
Joe Mixon thinks Texans "ready to go and go for that long run."

Click to expand...

"I've definitely been on a championship team before, and I know what it's like," Mixon told reporters on Friday. "I know what it takes to get there. I feel like we have -- no doubt -- we have the best talent that I've seen here in a long time. I honestly feel like the team that we have here, I know that we're ready to go and go for that long run."
Click to expand...
 
Number19 said:
Just to be clarify, and I haven't seen this mentioned, this remark is in response to Mixon not having participated in Saturday's or today's practices.
edit: just saw a comment posted about 30 minutes ago in Player Transaction Discussion Thread.
Click to expand...
It would have been nice if Ryans had said something about what type of injury it was.
 
Great game today. But the book on Mixon is that he's always gonna have good games or bad games and is pretty consistent, and of course any off the field concerns.

I will ride the Good Games like today any fuckin day though. Loved it. And loved the dedication to the rush too by the staff.
 
Man it is so nice to have a genuine workhorse at RB again. Like @steelbtexan said, this offense fits Mixon like a glove. He is going to have a career year if he stays healthy!

They needed to ride the bell cow to win this week. Hopefully they can ease his workload against Chicago and let the other backs get more carries. I want to save the big boy performances for when they’re absolutely needed. Pivotal conference/divisional games like today and of course PLAYOFFS!

The trade cost and contract is looking like quite the steal in hindsight. Only a handful of RBs in the league that could’ve done what Mixon did today.
 
Mixon has come out and straight up stated….he really likes playing for the Texans. Ryans has created an atmosphere that players are gravitating towards. Mixon made a statement today…..as did the OL.

Funny, Diggs has stated the same thing. I wouldn’t be surprised if Diggs decides to stay with Texans. As we could all see, Diggs, Collins, and Dell can exist on the same field.
 
Last edited:
OptimisticTexan said:
Mixon has come out and straight up stated….he really likes playing for the Texans. Ryans has created an atmosphere that players are gravitating towards. Mixon made a statement today…..as did the OL.

Funny, Diggs has stated the same thing. I wouldn’t be surprised if Diggs decides to stay with Texans. As we could all see, Diggs, Collins, and Dell can exist on the same field.
Click to expand...
one could only hope, but at what price tag?? will he give a discount due to the "good faith" that the Texans showed him in voiding the rest of the years left on his contract???
 
OptimisticTexan said:
Mixon has come out and straight up stated….he really likes playing for the Texans. Ryans has created an atmosphere that players are gravitating towards. Mixon made a statement today…..as did the OL.

Funny, Diggs has stated the same thing. I wouldn’t be surprised if Diggs decides to stay with Texans. As we could all see, Diggs, Collins, and Dell can exist on the same field.
Click to expand...
I liked the fact that he got a game ball and gave an inspirational locker room speech that stressed building on what they achieved this game. The culture DeMeco and the Texans are creating builds leaders.
 
Mixon's outstanding vision/shifty jump cuts and our ZBS system were made for each other. There was a particular play where one of the Colts linebackers was blitzing through the designed run seam, and Mixon leapt into another hole to get 5 yards. It's not a flashy play, but turning a TFL into a 5 yards gain is all that is needed to make this offense hum. Now I don't expect him to average 5.3 yards per carry as the Colts were committed to stopping the pass and left the box fairly light, but the fact that he ran for a 1st down in the last drive when everyone on the field knew it was coming was beyond excellent.
 
Texansballer74 said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1833898930578350145
Click to expand...
This is what I love about this team's offense (aka. 5-headed monster,) any given week you'll have a guy that rises up and fits the gameplan/gameflow of the game. In future games, it could be any of the other weapons that put out a huge performance. So long as the egos remain team-oriented and the line continues to improve in both side of run and pass blocking we may have a top 3 offense in the league.
 
cland said:
In another section of that interview you see Caserio breaking down the Bears team, and Nick knows every player on their team, where they were drafted, their strengths, and scheme. Caserio has got to be on the edge of genius, I couldn't describe my extended family with that much detail.
Click to expand...
During a December press conference, then-Texans head coach David Culley discussed his in-game communications with General Manager Nick Caserio after being asked about Caserio being on a coaching headset on Sundays.
Culley said the conversations covered the team’s approaches to situational football and that “being able to have those things ahead of time allows us and allows our play callers to be able to do the things that they need to do.”
Caserio would also be on a headset when he worked with the Patriots and he said on Sports Radio 610 on Tuesday that there’s “no big mystery” involved in having an analytics or personnel person involved in such communications. He said his title means his participation got “a little bit magnified,” but that the goal “is to provide clarity” about the decisions the team is making in games.
Click to expand...

“This year, it was more just listening, observing,” Caserio said. “It there was things that came up during the game that we needed to talk about, situationally, then we would communicate that. My philosophy and goal has always been to just provide information where necessary, be a resource and be as helpful as possible, whatever that constitution is. I’m a very amenable person, very open-minded. But ultimately, you just want to make sure you try to get things right in the course of the game. And candidly, there’s been times when I’ve been wrong and I’ve made a lot of mistakes as well, so we all try to learn from that.”
Click to expand...

Used to do it with the Pats too

www.nbcsports.com

Nick Caserio on wearing headset during games: You want to make sure you try to get things right

During a December press conference, then-Texans head coach David Culley discussed his in-game communications with General Manager Nick Caserio after being asked about Caserio being on a coaching headset on Sundays.
www.nbcsports.com www.nbcsports.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top