Newly acquired weapon can have a comeback season with the Houston Texans in 2024

The 2023 Houston Texans, renowned for their formidable offense, primarily relied on the passing game to build their success. Despite some standout performances from Devin Singletary in the latter half of the season, the team's strategy was heavily skewed towards the pass. This approach, led by their promising young quarterback, C.J. Stroud, was effective, but perhaps not as balanced as they would have preferred.

Their 1-2 punch, or short of one, with Dameon Pierce and Singletary, could have been better. Dameon Pierce's bad year basically saw him lose his starting spot. He has spoken about it since last season, which was tough on him. But this year could be better, as he has gotten one thing out of the way that should no longer distract him, as he has since returned to school to get his degree. But, that is neither here nor there. The Texans should have a much better 1-2 punch in the run game in 2024.

That is widely because of the trade for former Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon. Mixon was one of the best running backs in the league the last few years but is coming off of a down year—or years, I should say. In 2021, Mixon ran for a career-high 1,200 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. In 2022, he ran for just 800 yards and seven rushing touchdowns.

Last year, he was better than in 2022, with 1,000 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. But in this offense with this offensive line, behind Bobby Slowik's play calling, he could easily have a bounce-back season in 2024. Pro Football Focus thinks so, too. Here is what they wrote about the Pro Bowler:

Mixon is almost 28 and approaching the point of no return in running back age and production, but I'm willing to expect better play from him in 2024. Mixon's yards after-contact per carry number dropped marginally from 2022 to 2023, and his elusiveness rating was 7.7 points higher. Beyond that, he should face more light boxes than before, given the Texans' deadly aerial attack with C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell.8Likewise, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik maintained a run-first identity last year despite Stroud's exceptional play. Given those roots in the Shanahan tree and the desire to establish the run to set up play action, Mixon's carry share could look more like 2021 than the past two years.

With the trio of talented wide receivers in the Texans' lineup for 2024, the team's offensive strategy becomes a mystery for opposing defenses. Will they attack with a strong running game or a dynamic passing game? The unpredictability of the Texans' approach will keep defenses on their toes, setting up potential game-changing plays.

Mixon had his best season in 2021 when the Bengals threw the ball the best. Joe Burrow's best season was then in terms of throwing the ball, and Mixon thrived off the pressure the passing game put on the defense. That's very similar to how it will be in Houston in 2024, and I'm predicting he has a big comeback.