The difference Pollack will make

[*ochocincos*]

(04-03-2021, 07:31 PM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: Throwing that much is simply unsustainable for long term success. You would also think the FO would want to get their money’s worth out of Mixon. Anyway, I like that we gave Pollack the title of run game coordinator. I trust him to game plan more than I do Callahan and Taylor.

I do think (or hope) this is a crucial year for Mixon.
Starting in 2022, there will start becoming money saved by moving on from him, which the team might choose to do if the running game doesn't get going.

2022 - $11.45 mill cap hit, $8.25 mill dead cap ($3.2 mill savings if cut)
2023 - $12.85 mill cap hit, $5.5 mill dead cap ($7.35 mill savings if cut)
2024 - $13.133 mill cap hit, $2.75 mill dead cap ($10.383 mill savings if cut)

Given Mixon has put up back-to-back 1300+ yards from scrimmage when he was the RB1 and played 14+ games in the year, the Bengals probably wouldn't move on from him until 2023 at least. At that point, they should have the OL figured out (we hope), so there should be no excuses if the running game is bad.

It's also worth noting that Mixon's best YPC (4.9) was when Pollack was the OL coach in 2018.
Without Pollack, it's been, at best, 4.1.