Joe Mixon, the new Houston Texans running back, had a front-row seat as C.J. Stroud sliced and diced the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium, winning 30-27. Even he recognized that Stroud, who attended Ohio State in Columbus, was unique. “C.J. is an excellent player. “Obviously, he was the Rookie of the Year, and that wasn’t a fluke,” Mixon remarked during his first press conference as a Texan. “I think that we have a great group of guys in this here locker room.” Indeed, Stroud had a good supporting cast at receiver while setting the Texans’ rookie franchise record for passing yards. Nico Collins, a third-year receiver, became the third player in franchise history to reach 1,200 receiving yards in a single season. Tank Dell, a rookie, scored seven touchdowns, including the game-winning catch with three seconds left in Week 9’s victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and had 709 receiving yards.
Tight end Dalton Schultz, who signed a one-year contract after five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, was second in catches (59) and third in receiving yards (635). However, the running game was lacklustre. Houston finished 23rd on the ground, despite a late-game rally behind Devin Singletary. Mixon, who was transferred to the AFC South champions for a seventh-round pick, intends to be the solution in relieving pressure on Stroud to play hero ball. “We bought the city of Cincinnati, we got it back lit again, and I plan on bringing that same thing here,” he stated. “[Texan] fans, I’m sure, had a taste of it last year, but I think what we’ve got in the works is going to be amazing. As I have stated, I am simply delighted to be here, to feel appreciated, and to seize the chance when my number is called.” Mixon is coming off another 1,000-yard season, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt.
He scored nine touchdowns and had 52 receptions for 376 yards and three scores. Mixon, 27, believes his greatest years are still ahead of him, even after seven seasons with the Bengals. Stroud, who topped the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio (23:5) and passing yards per game (273.9), had a significant role. He was a Pro Bowler and the reason for the first winning season at NRG Stadium since 2019.
Mixon spent four seasons watching Joe Burrow go from a breakout rookie to one of the league’s best passers. He expects the same from Stroud throughout his time in Houston, especially after signing a three-year, $27 million agreement. “With the quarterback we’ve got in C.J., like I said, he’s phenomenal, and I know for a fact he’s going to make that next jump, and that’s in terms of them playoff wins,” Mixon said. “But, obviously, we take them one game at a time.”
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