WATCH: Joe Mixon impresses in Bengals debut

"He's really taken to it, and our coaches have done a great job getting him up to speed," Bengals player personnel director Duke Tobin told the announcing crew during the game (via ESPN). "There's a lot to learn in that position, and you have to prove to be worthy in pass protection before they're going to trust you long term. And so we're working through that with him. And obviously the run skills are natural, and his instincts are natural. He's got all the physical qualities you look for."

The controversial second round selection showed vision, patience and elusiveness in his debut.