Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon breaks franchise record with 5 TDs

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon broke a franchise record on Sunday with his five touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers. His contribution helped the Bengals win 42-21 over the Panthers. After struggling throughout the first half of the season, the Week 9 victory brought their record to 5-4.

Mixon became the sixth player in the Super Bowl era to gain 200 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns in a single game. He is shy of a touchdown to match the all-time NFL record of the most touchdowns in a single game by a non-quarterback. His 2022 touchdown record after Sunday’s game is eight.

Mixon ran 153 yards on 22 carries during the game, recording an average of 7.0 yards per carry. The running back also recorded four catches and 58 receiving yards that day. Currently, Mixon is on his way to achieving another 1,000-yard rushing in a season. Cincinnati players and coach Zac Taylor praised Mixon for displaying varying running and blocking methods.

“I’m just very excited to come through and deliver for my teammates,” Mixon told reporters after the game. “It’s been long overdue.”

Other than Mixon, quarterback Joe Burrow also contributed to the victory. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 206 yards to accompany his one touchdown. Early into the game, he led the offense in a touchdown drive of 90 yards.

Cincinnati’s defense was shorthanded on Sunday. Chidobe Awuzie and DJ Reader were a few defensive players who could not join the team due to injuries. Despite that, they performed remarkably well, with Jessie Bates and Germaine Pratt securing crucial interceptions.

Two Bengals players left the game after sustaining injuries. Dax Hill injured his right shoulder, while Chris Evans had an issue with his right knee.

The Bengals will have their next game on November 20, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers.