09-17-2021, 11:19 AM
(09-14-2021, 05:15 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Mixon has never had more than 280 carries in a season.
Over the previous 5 seasons only 4 RBs have had more than 300 carries in a season. Zeke Elliott (3) and Derrick Henry (2) are the only two RBs to have done it more than once in the last 5 seasons.
With Mixon's history of injuries (only one full 16 game season in 4 years) I think it is important to manage his carries. 300 carries equals about 18 carries per game.
I want the Bengals to continue running the ball a lot, so it is very important for one of our back up RBs to step up and play well. Right now it is clear the Perine is our #2 back but he seemed to have some trouble in pass blocking. I like Chris Evans' potential, but I have no idea if he can pass block. Either way we need to get 10-12 carries from those guys if we are going to be running the ball 30 times a game.
BTW FootballOutsiders had a very good study of how workload impacts RB, and they found that carries are what counts. There does not seem to be a lot of proof that the number of receptions has an impact on wearing down a RB (or at least not near as bad as rush attempts) So I would be fine with Mixon getting 18 carries and 4 receptions a game. That would be 306 carries and 68 receptions. That is really a lot of touches, but Mixon is being paid to carry that type of load.
So we put Burrow on a "pitch" count. Then now the outlet should be to limit the Mixon carries.... ( You don't live in Cleveland you live in Cincinnati mantra) Just ask the Ravens how that works if guys are loosing seasons in practice. It doesn't matter to them because its next guy up and the infrastructure is built SB or bust. I totally agree with some of your post but its football and injuries happen. The true snap count needs to happen along the interior of the offensive line. If we win who cares about an offensive line that was just ok..... I mean 5 sacks and a franchise QB holding his leg and limping off the field after a surgically repaired knee. We really dodged a bullet because Joe was still a top 10 QB last Sunday. This isn't an offensive line thread but most know how passionately I distrust this offensive line group as it sits. So sorry about that. This offensive line is very fragile and a solid couple weeks ahead will be a good measuring stick. Pollack can only coach the talent that he has so lets not buy him luggage if things go south. Lets not ever forget that we stood pat in FA even on proven skin on the wall Vets and decided to go with the "pups" and a center on the mend in his own right along the interior. Now don't get me wrong Spain & XSF are solid but......
Do you see any of the current Bengal starters along the interior becoming high level starters in the NFL at this point in thier careers or pro bowl caliber players. No.
You just hope that they're solid enough to get you to the playoffs as a ceiling and not ruin your season as par for the course. The kicker may win this team four games and I'll continue to say that as a positive.
Go Redlegs to the wildcard!
