09-07-2022, 10:50 AM
I think Bengal fans might be a little disappointed this weekend because we all want to see 500 yards passing from Joe to all these amazing receivers...BUT...Our best matchup against the Steelers (in my view) is Mixon against the Steeler run defense. The Steelers are likely going to be average against a good runner no matter how you look at them. And, if these new line studs are everything we hope they are they should be able to create plenty of holes for Mixon. SO, I think it might be a running game for us in the first half, and if it's working maybe the whole game.
If I was betting I would load up on Mixon OVER his total yards. He might get 25+ carries if he stays healthy the whole game. It seems to me Zac would be better off focusing on that rather than seeing if the new O line can hold off pass rushers, especially when we match up so well on the ground.
Burrow is a priceless commodity, and my hunch is they are NOT drawing up a lot of extended plays no matter how promising the new line may be. I see reasonably quick outs to Chase and Tee and them using their running ability as the likely emphasis on the passing side. Watch for up to a half-dozen shorties to the tight end as well. Plus, Mixon is a very reliable receiver on those short passes and he transitions to full running mode as fast as anyone in the NFL. Joe will fake a handoff and then flip it out to him at least a couple times.
So, my feeling is Mixon OVER total yards and maybe rush attempts. I would probably go UNDER for the game total.
It might not be sexy, but unless we somehow go down two scores, expect a ground-grinder this weekend...
If I was betting I would load up on Mixon OVER his total yards. He might get 25+ carries if he stays healthy the whole game. It seems to me Zac would be better off focusing on that rather than seeing if the new O line can hold off pass rushers, especially when we match up so well on the ground.
Burrow is a priceless commodity, and my hunch is they are NOT drawing up a lot of extended plays no matter how promising the new line may be. I see reasonably quick outs to Chase and Tee and them using their running ability as the likely emphasis on the passing side. Watch for up to a half-dozen shorties to the tight end as well. Plus, Mixon is a very reliable receiver on those short passes and he transitions to full running mode as fast as anyone in the NFL. Joe will fake a handoff and then flip it out to him at least a couple times.
So, my feeling is Mixon OVER total yards and maybe rush attempts. I would probably go UNDER for the game total.
It might not be sexy, but unless we somehow go down two scores, expect a ground-grinder this weekend...
