Pigtails And Crewcuts

HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans' wide receiver core of Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell have all made headlines this offseason. The meteoric rise of quarterback C.J. Stroud has a lot to do with it.

But within NRG Stadium, the Texans' coaching staff is equally invested in their running game to balance the offense. The move to acquire running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason is evidence.

Before acquiring Mixon, the organization tried to sign former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley in free agency before he landed with the Philadelphia Eagles. After missing out on Barkley, Houston quickly pivoted to Mixon and struck a deal the following day. After the trade for Mixon, the Texans gave the 27-year-old a three-year, $27 million contract extension.

"Not to sound like I am joking when I say this, but he is just a really good running back, in all regards," offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said.

Since 2017, Mixon has the seventh-most receptions (239) and seventh-most receiving yards (1,824) at his position. He has the fourth-most rushing yards (6,408) and seventh-most touchdowns (49), and the former second-round pick is coming off his fourth 1,000-yard rushing season in seven seasons.

"It doesn't matter what run scheme you run, he has run zone schemes, he has run gap schemes, he has been used as a receiver, he has really done everything," Slowik said.

Slowik also said since meeting Mixon he understands why he's "always been successful." The second-year coordinator said Mixon's work ethic and professionalism fit in with the Texans' culture.

Mixon said an offense featuring Stroud, tight end Dalton Schultz, and the aforementioned receivers that "everyone is going to eat."

"I've been able to do it all these years and I believe with Slowik, I know for a fact that he will be using all of my skill set," Mixon said. "With the weapons that we have, man, it is a hell of a thing.

"As long as we execute, do all the right things well and build that chemistry, I think that it's going to go a long way. In the offense, the sky's the limit."

The Texans weren't satisfied with their running attack after averaging 92.7 yards per game (ranking 28th) last season. Mixon was signed to replace Devin Singletary, who rushed for 898 yards in his lone year in Houston, after he joined the New York Giants in free agency.

Singletary eventually took over the starting job after third-year running back Dameon Pierce's struggles. In Pierce's rookie year he rushed for 949 yards in 13 games, but his average fell to 2.9 yards per carry en route to being benched.

But this offseason, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans raved about Pierce's progression and believes he and Mixon could pose a formidable duo.

"I see Dameon having a very clear head space as we are out working, and I think that will allow him to have a really productive year this year," Ryans said. "He has everything it takes to be a really good running back for us, and I think him and Joe as a one-two punch would be very beneficial for us all."