Mixon Outraged After Ankle Injury, Calls Out Tackle: "That's Just Dirty"
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon has expressed his anger and frustration after sustaining an ankle injury during Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. The injury occurred on a play where Mixon was tackled by Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen, who was flagged for unnecessary roughness.
"That's just dirty," Mixon stated after the game, visibly upset. "I wasn't even close to the ground when he went for my ankle. It's just a cheap shot, and it's frustrating to get hurt like that."
The Play and the Injury
The incident occurred in the third quarter, with the Bengals leading 17-3. Mixon was running towards the sideline when Queen tackled him. While Mixon was still trying to break a tackle, Queen twisted his leg and forced his foot into the ground, leading to the ankle injury. The tackle was deemed illegal and Queen was flagged accordingly.
The injury is considered "significant" and could keep Mixon sidelined for a considerable time. While the extent of the damage is still being evaluated, it is a major blow to the Bengals' offense, as Mixon is a key player for their running game.
The Aftermath and Potential Consequences
Mixon's comments have sparked a heated debate among fans and commentators. Some support Mixon's claims, arguing that Queen's tackle was indeed dirty and potentially dangerous. Others believe that the play was simply a tough tackle and that Queen's intention was not to injure Mixon.
The NFL is currently reviewing the play to determine if further disciplinary action against Queen is warranted. While the flag for unnecessary roughness was given, there is a possibility that the league will take further action, potentially including a fine or suspension.
The Bengals' Perspective
The Bengals have expressed concern about the injury and emphasized the importance of protecting their players. Head coach Zac Taylor stated that the play was "unnecessary" and called for the NFL to take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all players.
"We're not going to comment on the specifics of the play, but we're obviously concerned about Joe's health," Taylor said. "We're hopeful he'll make a quick recovery, but we're also hoping the league will take a serious look at what happened."
The Impact on the Bengals' Season
Mixon's absence will undoubtedly impact the Bengals' offensive strategy moving forward. They will have to rely more on their passing game and potentially give more opportunities to their backup running backs.
The Bengals are currently in a tight race for a playoff spot, and Mixon's injury could significantly impact their chances of reaching the postseason. How the Bengals adapt to his absence and whether they can maintain their momentum will be crucial to their success.
