09-11-2017, 03:11 PM
(09-11-2017, 11:57 AM)Millhouse Wrote: It wasnt directly his fault obviously, as he isnt blocking for himself. But I do believe an argument can be made that he was indirectly at fault so to speak. And by indirectly at fault I am referring to when the defense saw him back there as the game wore on, they just pinned their ears back and went full go at him or Dalton, using Mixon's inexperience by predicting what they will do.
When Gio was back there, the defense would be a bit more hesitant to do so because they know Gio is a vet who can pick up blitzes, or can scrap out of there to get a quick screen. They gave more respect to Gio. But didnt give any to Mixon because it was simply his first game back there, not to mention they smelled weakness on the Bengals oline which made it that much easier to do.
Again, watch the tape. This was under 2 minutes when we were simply running the clock out to end the game. Nothing to do with Mixon, or whoever was back there, simply they knew we were running under two minutes to get the game over with. He lost 9 yards on two carries where the defenders could have taken the handoff. Mixon needs meaningful touches during meaningful situations. Don't tell us the kid is special all preseason, but when it's crunch time you try hiding him. He was in for pass plays a couple times in between, but never really got much chance to show what he can do with the ball in his hands.
