The Tennessee Titans rode running back Derrick Henry in 2019, especially in the latter stages of the season.
The star halfback led the NFL in rushing attempts (303) and yards (1,540) during the regular season, then carried the Titans to the AFC Championship Game behind back-t0-back historic efforts in the Wild Card (34 carries, 182 yards) and Divisional Round (30 carries, 195 yards).
Eight months later, Henry, 27, did more of the same in the team's Week 1 over the Denver Broncos. Henry had 31 carries for 116 yards on Monday, though his average of 3.7 yards per carry was below his typical standard. His 31 attempts was the fourth-most of his career.
Any time a running back—even ones as giant as Henry—carries that type of load, it's going to cause concern about their effectiveness going forward and the sustainability of the strategy.
However, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel isn't worried about wearing Henry down.
“We felt like that’s where Derrick was at physically, condition-wise,” Vrabel said, via the team’s website. “That [number] may change each and every week but Derrick is not going to be on any pitch count. He gets himself in great condition and he understands the responsibility he has to the team to be able to sometimes carry it as many times as he did on Monday night. Every game is different.”
The Titans signed Henry to a four-year, $50 million contract extension in July, indicating their belief that his body can hold up.
“Whenever I get the opportunities, I try to take advantage of them,” Henry said about his work load. “All the training I do, the working out, going through practice, all those things I think prepare you for moments like that, to be able to carry the load in games like that, physical games against a good defense.”
Tennessee will host the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) in Week 2.
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