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There are quite a few takeaways to note from the early goings of Cincinnati Bengals training camp.
Joe Mixon might just be at the very top.
It’s easy to focus on an improved defense, Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and so much else. But it’s Mixon who keeps ripping attention away from other guys. It’s not just his never-ending enthusiasm and hype-man status, either — he looks huge, fast and ready for a breakout.
Remember, injuries limited Mixon to just six games last year. That, after two 1,100-plus-yard seasons with 13 combined rushing scores. He was a big part of the plan last year and the team ended up throwing way more than it wanted to with him out of the lineup.
Saturday, he looked more like his normal self, even ripping off an 80-yard touchdown scamper.
Some notes:
Five observations from Day 4 of #Bengals camp:
1. It was great to have fans in attendance for the first time and nobody was more energized by their presence than Joe Mixon. His enthusiasm is contagious and he’s in tremendous shape. If he stays healthy he’ll have a big year pic.twitter.com/CrPMYO1mPw— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) July 31, 2021
Jodeine Highlights today. Is Joe Mixon in the best shape you ever seen him in? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ibQb010343
— ZIM (@zimwhodey) August 1, 2021
If Mixon can play like his usual self, but with an improved quarterback, line and entire offense in front of him this time, he might be headed for a career-year.
It’s early, but all signs point to a massive season for Mixon.
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