Joe Mixon, the Houston Texans’ dynamic running back, delivered a standout performance in the 2024 NFL season. His blend of power, agility, and versatility solidified his role as a cornerstone of the Texans’ offense. Fans and analysts alike marveled at his ability to churn out yards, score touchdowns, and contribute in the passing game. This article explores Mixon’s 2024 regular season and playoff statistics, highlights his career milestones, and evaluates his impact on the Texans’ campaign. With fresh data and detailed insights, we’ll unpack what makes Mixon a force on the field.
The Rise of Joe Mixon: A Brief Background
Joe Mixon’s journey to NFL stardom began at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2016. The Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, recognizing his raw talent despite off-field controversies. Mixon spent seven seasons with the Bengals, amassing impressive stats and climbing the franchise’s all-time rushing leaderboard. In March 2024, the Bengals traded him to the Houston Texans for a seventh-round pick. This move marked a new chapter for Mixon, who embraced the opportunity to lead the Texans’ backfield.
Mixon’s first season in Houston proved transformative. He signed a three-year, $27 million extension, signaling the Texans’ commitment to building their offense around him. Despite battling injuries, Mixon delivered a Pro Bowl-caliber performance in 2024. His ability to adapt to a new system under head coach DeMeco Ryans showcased his resilience and skill. Let’s dive into the numbers that defined his remarkable year.
2024 Regular Season: Rushing Dominance
Mixon’s rushing stats in the 2024 regular season underscored his importance to the Texans’ ground game. He carried the ball 245 times, accumulating 1,016 yards and scoring 11 rushing touchdowns. His 4.1 yards per carry average reflected his ability to grind out tough yards against formidable defenses. Mixon’s consistency shone through, as he topped 100 rushing yards in seven of his 14 regular-season games.
One standout performance came in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, where Mixon racked up 159 yards on 30 carries and scored a touchdown. This game set the tone for his season, proving he could handle a heavy workload. Another highlight occurred in Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys, where he rushed for 109 yards and three touchdowns in a commanding 34–10 victory. These explosive outings demonstrated Mixon’s knack for taking over games.
However, injuries posed challenges. A Week 2 ankle injury sidelined him for three games, and a later ankle issue in Week 15 limited his practice time. Despite these setbacks, Mixon’s durability allowed him to return quickly and maintain his productivity. His ability to perform through pain earned praise from teammates and coaches alike.
Receiving Prowess: A Dual-Threat Back
Beyond his rushing prowess, Mixon excelled as a receiver out of the backfield. In 2024, he caught 36 passes for 309 yards and one receiving touchdown. His 81.6% career catch rate highlights his reliability as a pass-catcher, and his 8.6 yards per reception in 2024 added another dimension to the Texans’ offense. Mixon’s receiving skills made him a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties.
A memorable moment came in Week 6 against the New England Patriots, where Mixon hauled in two receptions for 30 yards, including a touchdown. His ability to turn short passes into significant gains forced defenses to account for him in both the run and pass games. This versatility allowed quarterback C.J. Stroud to lean on Mixon in critical situations, especially on third downs.
Moreover, Mixon’s receiving stats complemented his rushing output, giving him 1,325 total scrimmage yards in the regular season. His 94.6 average scrimmage yards per game ranked him among the NFL’s elite running backs. This dual-threat capability cemented his role as the Texans’ offensive workhorse.
Playoff Performance: Shining on the Big Stage
Mixon’s 2024 postseason stats further highlighted his clutch performance. In the Wild Card Round against the Los Angeles Chargers, he carried the ball 25 times for 106 yards and a touchdown, powering the Texans to a 32–12 victory. His physical running style wore down the Chargers’ defense, setting up play-action opportunities for Stroud.
In the Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs, Mixon faced a tougher challenge. Despite nursing an ankle injury, he rushed for 88 yards on 18 carries and scored a 13-yard touchdown. He also caught two of three targets for 12 yards, totaling 100 scrimmage yards. Although the Texans fell 23–14, Mixon’s effort kept them competitive against a stout Chiefs defense. His ability to perform under pressure in the playoffs underscored his value to the team.
Advanced Metrics: A Deeper Look
Advanced analytics provide additional context for Mixon’s 2024 performance. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Mixon earned an overall grade of 75.1, ranking 19th among 47 qualifying halfbacks. His rushing grade of 74.8 placed him 24th, while his receiving grade of 67.7 ranked 16th. These metrics reflect his well-rounded skill set, though they suggest room for improvement in efficiency.
Mixon’s yards after contact per carry, a key indicator of his power, averaged 2.8 yards. This figure highlights his ability to break tackles and gain extra yards. Additionally, his 20.5 touches per game ranked him among the NFL’s most utilized backs. While his 4.1 yards per carry didn’t lead the league, his volume and consistency made him a reliable option for the Texans.
Fantasy football enthusiasts also took notice of Mixon’s production. He averaged 17.1 PPR (points per reception) fantasy points per game, making him a high-end RB1 in most formats. His 12 total touchdowns and 1,325 scrimmage yards delivered significant value for fantasy managers, especially in playoff leagues.
Key Moments and Milestones
Mixon’s 2024 season featured several defining moments. In Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he made NFL history by becoming the only player to record at least 100 rushing yards and a touchdown in six consecutive road games. This streak showcased his dominance away from home and his ability to exploit defensive weaknesses.
Another milestone came with his 11th rushing touchdown of the season, a 7-yard score against the Jaguars. This performance pushed him past 1,000 rushing yards for the season, a mark he hadn’t reached since 2019. Mixon’s ability to hit this benchmark in just 14 games speaks to his efficiency and workload.
Off the field, Mixon faced scrutiny for comments about officiating after the Chiefs playoff loss, resulting in a $25,000 fine from the NFL. The league later rescinded the fine, acknowledging a mix-up. This incident highlighted Mixon’s fiery personality, which fuels his competitive drive but occasionally draws attention.
Impact on the Houston Texans
Mixon’s arrival transformed the Texans’ offense. His physical running style complemented Stroud’s play-action passing, creating a balanced attack. The Texans leaned on Mixon in critical moments, especially in the red zone, where he converted 11 of his 12 touchdowns. His presence also alleviated pressure on the offensive line, which struggled with injuries and inconsistency.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans praised Mixon’s leadership and work ethic, noting his ability to rally the team during tough stretches. Mixon’s veteran presence provided stability for a young Texans squad navigating the departure of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. His 1,325 scrimmage yards accounted for a significant portion of the team’s offensive output, making him indispensable.
Furthermore, Mixon’s contract extension signals the Texans’ long-term commitment to him. With two years and $15 million remaining, he remains a cornerstone of their rebuilding efforts. His performance in 2024 justified the investment, and fans eagerly anticipate his role in 2025.
Challenges and Areas for Growth
Despite his success, Mixon faced challenges in 2024. His 4.1 yards per carry average over the past five seasons suggests he’s not the most explosive back. Injuries, particularly to his ankle, disrupted his rhythm at times. While he played through pain, these issues occasionally limited his practice reps and explosiveness.
The Texans’ offensive line also posed problems. The unit allowed eight sacks in the Chiefs playoff loss, exposing Stroud to pressure and limiting Mixon’s running lanes. The firing of offensive line coach Chris Strausser indicates the team’s intent to address this weakness. Improving the line’s performance will be crucial for Mixon’s success in 2025.
Additionally, Mixon’s off-field reputation remains a point of discussion. His 2014 assault incident, for which he entered an Alford plea, continues to follow him. While he’s avoided major controversies since, the NFL’s fine for his officiating comments shows how his outspokenness can spark issues. Staying focused on football will be key to maintaining his positive trajectory.
Comparison to Other NFL Running Backs
Mixon’s 2024 season stacks up well against other top running backs. Saquon Barkley led the NFL with 1,507 rushing yards, but Mixon’s 1,325 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns rivaled Barkley’s output in fewer games. Derrick Henry’s 1,391 rushing yards came on 312 carries, a higher volume than Mixon’s 245. Mixon’s efficiency as a receiver, however, gave him an edge over Henry.
In PFF’s rankings, Mixon trailed backs like Jahmyr Gibbs and Josh Jacobs, who earned higher rushing grades. Yet, his ability to handle a three-down role set him apart from pure runners like Jacobs. Mixon’s all-around game makes him a unique asset, though he may not dominate any single category.
Fantasy analysts like Maurice Jones-Drew praised Mixon’s consistency, ranking him among the top 25 running backs for 2024. His ability to deliver in both standard and PPR formats underscores his versatility. As the NFL revalues the running back position, Mixon’s skill set positions him as a valuable commodity.
Looking Ahead: Mixon’s Role in 2025
As the Texans prepare for 2025, Mixon remains a focal point of their offense. His contract ensures stability, and his chemistry with Stroud will only grow. The team’s offseason moves, including potential offensive line upgrades, could unlock even more production from Mixon. At 28 years old, he’s still in his prime, with the durability to handle a heavy workload.
The Texans’ playoff loss to the Chiefs exposed areas for improvement, but Mixon’s performance wasn’t the issue. His ability to gain 100 scrimmage yards against a top defense bodes well for future postseason runs. If the Texans bolster their line and maintain offensive balance, Mixon could push for 1,500 scrimmage yards in 2025.
Battle of Styles Moreover, Mixon’s leadership will be crucial as the Texans integrate new coordinators and players. His experience in high-stakes games makes him a mentor for younger teammates. Fans can expect Mixon to build on his 2024 success and cement his legacy in Houston.
FAQs About Joe Mixon’s 2024 Season
What were Joe Mixon’s total stats for the 2024 regular season?
Steven Kwan Joe Mixon recorded 245 carries for 1,016 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in the 2024 regular season. He also caught 36 passes for 309 yards and one receiving touchdown. His 1,325 total scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns highlighted his impact over 14 games.
How did Mixon perform in the 2024 NFL playoffs?
Austin Reaves In the Wild Card Round against the Chargers, Mixon rushed for 106 yards on 25 carries and scored a touchdown. In the Divisional Round against the Chiefs, he gained 88 yards on 18 carries, scored a 13-yard touchdown, and added 12 receiving yards, totaling 100 scrimmage yards.
Did injuries affect Mixon’s performance in 2024?
Organizing Yes, Mixon battled ankle injuries in Weeks 2 and 15, missing three games early in the season and limiting his practice time later. Despite these setbacks, he played through pain and maintained strong production, averaging 94.6 scrimmage yards per game.
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