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Joe Mixon Finds Sweet Victory with Texans, Silencing Past Critics

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 15:56 GMT by Heavy.com

Joe Mixon's Texans Triumph: A Sweet Victory Over Past Critics, Fueled by Colts & Chargers Struggles

The Houston Texans' surprising victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12 was more than just another win for a rising team; it held significant personal meaning for running back Joe Mixon, and highlighted ongoing issues plaguing both the Colts and the Los Angeles Chargers. The Heavy.com article dives into these interwoven narratives, focusing on Mixon’s redemption arc, the Colts' continued quarterback woes, and how Justin Herbert’s struggles are impacting the Chargers' season.

Mixon's "Last Laugh": Proving Doubters Wrong in Houston

Joe Mixon, acquired by the Texans via trade from the Cincinnati Bengals just before the season began, has been a key contributor to their unexpected success. The article emphasizes that his arrival wasn’t universally welcomed. After a highly productive tenure with the Bengals, where he was a Pro Bowler and franchise cornerstone, Mixon's departure was framed as a potential negative for Cincinnati – they were letting go of a proven commodity. Many questioned whether he would fit into Houston’s system or if his perceived character issues (stemming from an incident in 2014, detailed further here: [https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/joe-mixon-incident/]) would be a distraction.

However, Mixon has silenced those critics. He's been a reliable and productive runner for the Texans, providing a much-needed boost to their ground game. The win against the Colts felt particularly sweet for him. The article posits that facing his former rivals allowed Mixon to have a “last laugh,” demonstrating he wasn’t needed in Cincinnati and proving his value elsewhere. His performance – 103 rushing yards and a touchdown – underscored this sentiment, further solidifying his role as a vital piece of the Texans' offensive puzzle. The article highlights that while his statistics haven't been drastically different in Houston compared to his Bengals days, the context—proving doubters wrong—makes them feel significantly more impactful.

Colts Quarterback Carousel Continues: A Recurring Problem

The Colts’ loss exposed a familiar and frustrating problem: instability at quarterback. Gardner Minshew, starting in place of Anthony Richardson (who is on injured reserve), struggled throughout the game. This continues a long-standing trend for Indianapolis. The article points out that since Andrew Luck's sudden retirement in 2019, the Colts have been searching for a consistent and reliable quarterback. They’ve cycled through numerous starters – Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, and now Richardson (when healthy) and Minshew – with limited success.

The constant revolving door at the QB position has severely hampered their ability to build sustained offensive momentum. Minshew's performance against Houston highlighted these issues: inaccurate passes, missed opportunities, and a general lack of command over the offense. The article links this instability back to the Colts’ draft strategy, suggesting they may have prioritized other positions over quarterback development in recent years. This has left them perpetually scrambling for a solution at the most crucial position in football. The linked article on Colts QB struggles provides more detail: [https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/colts-quarterback-struggles/].

Chargers' Herbert Struggles and Coaching Concerns

Beyond the Texans’ triumph and the Colts’ quarterback woes, the Chargers’ situation is also a significant part of the narrative. Justin Herbert, once considered one of the league's brightest young stars, has been noticeably struggling this season. The article suggests that Herbert’s performance isn’t solely about individual failings; it’s intertwined with concerns surrounding head coach Brandon Staley’s playcalling and overall offensive scheme.

Herbert's numbers are down compared to previous seasons, and he appears hesitant and lacking confidence. The Chargers’ offense, which was expected to be a high-powered unit, has been inconsistent and often ineffective. The article points out that Herbert's struggles have coincided with Staley's continued reliance on aggressive, sometimes questionable play calls, putting immense pressure on the quarterback. There's growing speculation among analysts (and fans) about whether Staley is the right coach to maximize Herbert’s potential. The linked piece detailing Herbert’s recent performance issues delves deeper into this: [https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/chargers-justin-herbert-struggles/].

A Broader Picture of NFL Upsets and Redemption Arcs

This Week 12 game, viewed through the lens of these individual narratives, underscores a broader trend in the NFL: unexpected teams emerging as contenders, players finding new life elsewhere, and franchises grappling with persistent issues. The Texans’ rise is one of the league's biggest surprises this season, while the Colts continue to search for stability and the Chargers face questions about their coaching staff. Joe Mixon's performance served as a powerful reminder that sometimes, a change of scenery can be exactly what a player – and a narrative – needs. The article concludes by suggesting that these storylines will likely continue to unfold as the season progresses, making for an unpredictable and compelling finish to the NFL campaign.

I hope this summary effectively captures the essence of the Heavy.com article! Let me know if you'd like any revisions or further elaboration on specific points.