Joe Mixon: “Definitely great things ahead of us”

Bengals running back Joe Mixon isn’t holding back when talking about the future. He’s confident in this roster, in this coach and believes that they’ll be able to do great things in 2019.

Mixon, who was left off the Pro Bowl and All-Pro rosters last season after totaling the most rushing yards in the AFC, told WLWT’s Mark Slaughter that there are great things ahead for the team.

Mixon also said that his goal coming into the season is to be the best teammate possible. That’s great to hear from him after not seeming pleased with missing the Pro Bowl last season, being named an alternative to unimpressive running backs like Lamar Miller.

He wants greatness for this team.

That said, it’s great to hear Mixon talk so highly of the team’s potential. He mentions how the ensuing season is won or lost in the offseason. He’s not wrong. The moves made and team’s setup is half the battle.

However, the pure talent that makes up each team’s roster also contributes to their success. For Cincinnati, there’s no shortage of talent with Mixon in the backfield, A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd out wide, and first-round pick Jonah Williams at left tackle.

As for Mixon, the 22-year-old put up a career-high 1,168 rushing yards last season and racked up almost 1,500 yards from scrimmage. Mixon accumulates yards almost better than any back in the league, and he did so with a highly unimpressive offensive line.

If he can take his game to another level, the Bengals should, at the very least, be able to reward him with a postseason appearance. Mixon’s been great, yet the Bengals haven’t capitalized on his dominance, recording a 13-19 record in two years since Mixon was drafted.

This upcoming season, that all could change. It has to change. After 16 years, the Bengals finally make a culture-changing move. With Zac Taylor, the Bengals offense should be one of the league’s best.

Honestly, fans would just take top-15. Let’s just hope they live up to Mixon’s lofty expectations.