In a move that caught many off guard, the Cincinnati Bengals bid farewell to Joe Mixon, their starting running back, trading him to the Houston Texans. This transaction not only shook the foundation of the Bengals’ backfield but also opened the door for speculation on who would step into Mixon’s considerable shoes.
While Zack Moss, recently signed to a lucrative two-year deal, seems like the obvious successor, there’s a compelling case to be made for looking within the team’s roster for Mixon’s replacement. Enter Chase Brown, a promising talent who could very well be the key to the Bengals’ future ground game success.
Chase Brown, A Hidden Gem in the Backfield
Chase Brown, a fifth-round pick in 2023, quietly made a name for himself last season, offering glimpses of his potential in the limited snaps he saw. His role expanded significantly towards the season’s end, where he showcased his abilities not just as a runner but as a receiver out of the backfield.
One of his standout moments came in a Week 14 victory against the Indianapolis Colts, where he dashed to the end zone on a 54-yard touchdown reception, clocking the highest velocity among running backs for that week, as per NFL’s Next Gen Stats.
This burst of speed and agility on display, coupled with his adeptness in receiving, makes Brown an intriguing option for the Cincinnati Bengals. With Mixon now out of the equation, the stage is set for Brown to potentially assume a more substantial role in the offense.
Zack Moss, A Stepping Stone, Not the Destination
Zack Moss’s journey to the Cincinnati Bengals, marked by a career year with the Colts, is not to be overlooked. Filling in for Jonathan Taylor amidst contract disputes and injuries, Moss proved himself a reliable option in the backfield. However, his performance, while commendable, hasn’t firmly established him as a three-down back capable of carrying the full weight of a starting role over an entire season.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ decision to bring Moss on board may have been a tactical move to bolster their running back corps in the short term. Yet, when it comes to unlocking the full potential of their ground game in the post-Mixon era, the team might find greater value in exploring the dynamism and untapped potential of Chase Brown.
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Trent Brown Officially a Cincinnati Bengal 🔥🔥🔥😤 pic.twitter.com/0MrmWoYcnl
— Frankie (@FrnkXV) March 19, 2024
The Cincinnati Bengals’ Running Game in Focus
The departure of Joe Mixon poses a significant challenge for the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving a void in production that won’t be easy to fill. While Zack Moss offers experience and a known quantity, the allure of Chase Brown’s upside is hard to ignore. His late-season surge, highlighted by explosive plays and versatility, presents a case for a more prominent role moving forward.
As the Cincinnati Bengals recalibrate their offensive strategy, the key to their success might not lie in seeking a direct replacement for Mixon but in cultivating the rich talent they already have. In Chase Brown, Cincinnati possesses a player with the potential to redefine their running game, offering a blend of speed, agility, and playmaking ability that could make him an invaluable asset in the seasons to come.
The Cincinnati Bengals are at a crossroads, and how they navigate the transition in their backfield could have lasting implications on their offensive identity. With young talent like Chase Brown on their roster, the future looks promising, offering a glimpse of a dynamic and versatile running attack that could take the NFL by storm.
Sources: ESPN
