I really do not think people realize how many blown blocking assignments were from the running backs. Specifically Mixon. Say what you will about Mixon running the ball but the dude is terrible at picking up blitzes and assisting the OL in any meaningful way. It is why Perine being gone was so noticeable.
If you do not believe me or need evidence, link to a QB school video from week 15 that JT Sullivan mentions several times on his selected plays that he continually misses blocks or blows assignments. I hope the FO chooses to move on from him despite the great years he has given the organization. I think Burrow will have more success the more dynamic we are able to get at RB and TE and hopefully keep him healthy for years to come.
https://youtu.be/xUDi9KY-p_w?si=WMNUTHiq6AxfP1FY
7 comments
I use a paid membership for PFF and Mixon has been one of the worst pass blocking RBs in the NFL for a while. The amount of times if he did anything the QB wouldn’t have been hit is way too high. He is an actual threat to the QB. There’s a bunch of RBs in free agency that have been great in pass blocking. Antonio Gibson is who they should go after, but Derrick Henry and Saquan Barkley are good as well. All three grade about a 75+ in pass block while Mixon graded a ~25 last season. The RB is typically the last line of defense and just gaining an extra two seconds can be enough time. The average NFL sack happens in 4 second, but Mixon doesn’t do anything to help…that’s why it’s been time for him to go for years now. He is overpaid and underperforming.
The Flores blitzing scheme is specifically designed to put a lot of pressure on running backs, either making them cross block at a weird angle or pick up a freaking 260 pound freak athlete edge rusher.
Mixon was ok at pass blocking this year. I don’t suspect that will save his job, he just can’t find yards after contact.
Mixon can blow blocking assignments AND the OL can be a mess. They aren’t mutually exclusive.
Now saying that, I’m all for moving on from Mixon. I think it’s blatantly obviously in the NFL nowadays a good OL can do wonders for any RB. You see guys like Pacheco or Kenton Mitchell and want to think those guys are exceptions to the rule, but they are both products of great OL play as have other successful late round RBs been.
Mixon getting cut so we won’t have to worry about anymore.
Ya but i feel our oline hasnt developed well with the picks we have had and talent brought in. Mixon def has his flaws but I feel the oline should just be flat better and its not. It seems to be coaching and skeam. I think we need to try something or someone else but the owner/gm doesnt seem to think so.
It was frustrating because it seemed like he had improved earlier in the year, but I remember watching this video and it being abundantly clear that he was not getting it done in pass protection.
I was looking at posts from about 3 years and everyone on this sub was froathing out the gash for Frank Pollack. I don’t know what to believe anymore.
It was a shit season and people want a scapegoat. I think our ass safeties were the worst thing about this season.