The Tennessee Titans opted to move on from veteran running back DeMarco Murray this offseason after two seasons with the team. They then signed free-agent Dion Lewis, who is expected to be part of a “1A and 1B” backfield with second-year back Derrick Henry.
But in his appearance on ESPN Insider Adam Schefter’s podcast, Murray believes Henry is more than capable of being “the guy” for the Titans if they choose to use him as such.
“I think Derrick's a smart guy. He's a fast guy, very physical, athletic, and now that I'm not there I think he can hone in on being the guy,” Murray said per Titans Wire. “And if they use him the right way and if he can consistently be the every down back, I think he has a great future, a bright future.”
Henry took a sizable backseat to Murray last season, with the veteran holding a 647-408 edge in terms of total snaps. That was despite Murray suffering from injuries which led to his worst season as a pro.
But even with that disparity in playing time, Henry ended up outproducing Murray as he finished with 744 rushing yards (4.2 yards per carry) and five touchdowns compared to Murray’s 659 (3.6 ypc) and six TDs. He also delivered a terrific performance in his playoff debut as he went for 156 yards on 23 careers in their win against the Kansas City Chiefs.
With Lewis around, Henry likely won’t be asked to be the every down back Murray thinks he can be just yet. But if he continues to develop, it might not be long until Henry is well and truly “the guy” in Tennessee.
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