Players to watch Sunday night: Mixon-Hitchens matchup headlines Chiefs-Bengals game
The Chiefs square off against the Bengals in Kansas City’s second consecutive Sunday Night Football appearance. Who should you be watching? We’re glad you asked.
No. 28 Joe Mixon, HB
22 years old, 6-1, 220 pounds, 2nd season
The Chiefs have struggled to stop the run all season, and second-year running back Joe Mixon could be the guy to exploit that weakness this week. Mixon is playing just his third game back from midseason knee surgery, but he’s progressing each week. Against Pittsburgh, Mixon had 11 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown. He also had four receptions for 20 yards. The Bengals rank 25th in the league with just 89.8 yards rushing per game, but Mixon is an explosive talent and his return to the lineup will likely bolster that number a bit. Plus, have we mentioned that the Chiefs have really struggled at stopping the run? The OU product also has 13 receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown this season.
No. 22 William Jackson, CB
25 years old, 6-0, 196 pounds, 3rd season
The Bengals’ best cover corner isn’t backing down from a matchup with Tyreek Hill. Told that Hill “can fly” earlier this week, Jackson responded, “So can I.” Eyebrows, raised. Against the Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger only threw at Jackson twice, according to Pro Football Focus. Jackson was questionable against the Steelers with a knee injury, but he played nearly the entire game. This week, he wasn’t listed on the injury report.
No. 14 Sammy Watkins, WR
25 years old, 6-1, 211 pounds, 5th season
A blockbuster offseason acquisition, the Chiefs wide receiver feels like the most scrutinized player on the Chiefs’ offensive side of the ball. After a few weeks of steady improvement and involvement, Watkins was a non-factor against the Patriots. But the Bengals have one of the worst pass defenses in the league, giving up 7.2 yards per attempt. Unlike his earlier years with Buffalo, Watkins is content to play a smaller role on the team. In Andy Reid’s offense, the hot hand seems to rotate each week, and this could be Watkins’ week to have a breakout game.
No. 53 Anthony Hitchens, LB
26 years old, 6-0, 235 pounds, 5th season
It’s no secret the Chiefs’ inside linebackers are struggling mightily. Hitchens was one of the Chiefs’ biggest offseason defensive acquisitions, and they’re giving him $25 million in guaranteed money. That’s a lot to spend on a guy who hasn’t produced much in the last couple of games. Hitchens started out the season playing really well against the Chargers but has faltered since then. He was also on the injury report this week with a groin issue, but he’s expected to play. KC’s rush defense ranks 30th out of 32 teams, according to Pro Football Focus, and considering Reggie Ragland told everyone he and Hitchens were going to stop the run this year, that’s not great. Mixon and Giovani Bernard might be an easier tandem to stop this week, giving Hitchens a chance to get back on track.
Brooke Pryor
Brooke Pryor covers the Kansas City Chiefs and NFL for The Star.
This story was originally published October 19, 2018 at 3:46 PM.