Joe Mixon had a tailback after the early touchdown

Mixon threw the ball 25 times for 46 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s 26-23 loss to the Lions. He added two receptions on four scores for 44 yards.

The Lions have had one of the better run defenses for most of the season, and the unit largely limited Mixon to the floor on Sunday. The exception was Houston’s first offensive possession, which he capped off with an eight-yard touchdown run. Mixon’s notable performance otherwise came as a pass catcher, as he faked a 36-yard catch and a run late in the first quarter. Although he was unable to do so after that, Mixon has found the end zone in all but one game this season and has been one of the most reliable producers at the position.