Perine is better than Mixon

[CJD]

(12-05-2022, 07:51 AM)Rubekahn29 Wrote: The only thing I’m worried about is our predictability and pass block pickups by Mixon when they go back to Mixon starting. If they can do more RBBC and less situational, that should help with the predictability, but I’ve seen Mixon miss too many blocks and we’ve given up 2 sacks with Perine starting. The line is obviously the main reason, but Perine usually shuts his block down if he stays in. Mixon struggles mightily in that.

This is my huge concern as well. Mixon's a liability in pass coverage. He's given up at least 3 sacks all by himself this season. That led the league by RBs back in November. Perine, on the other hand, had an 88.7 pass blocking grade at that same time, which lead the league from RBs.

Joe Mixon ranks 65th out of 67 backs with a grade of 24.3
He leads the league with 3 sacks allowed.

Joe Mixon's elusive rating (making defenders miss) is now down to 51st out of 54 backs.

His Yards After Contact average of 2.05 yards now ranks 53rd of 54 backs.

— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) November 2, 2022

 

At the end of the day, we're a passing team first. Our run game is just a change of pace once every 2 or 3 downs just to keep the defense honest. And, in those scenarios, grinding out 4 or 5 yards is a completely acceptable play. In these two games, Perine has consistently done that where Mixon seemed to have been getting tackled for no gain far more often in every game other than the Panthers game. In the other plays (pass plays), Perine offered security for Burrow both in his blocking and his ability to chip and get out for a check down that, especially yesterday, he would usually get more yards than the play would seem to indicate through his tough running and stiff arms.

I think making Mixon the feature back again is a huge risk. We'll see what the coaches do but I hope, at a minimum, Perine is in there 50% of the time (and I'd prefer closer to 75% of the time).