Too many carries for Mixon

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(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.

I agree, don't want to overwork Mixon. I think between Perine and Evans we can do this. I like both of these guys especially 
Chris Evans and his upside. You are correct that Perine had some trouble pass blocking last game. One thing about Evans is 
he is supposed to be a very good pass blocker we just don't know how he will be at the next level.

But if Perine continues to struggle in blitz pickup, give Evans some snaps there.