Running back Derrick Henry was a steamroller on Saturday, running through would-be tacklers and picking up steam while propelling the Titans to an upset win over Kansas City. His mission this weekend will be the same against the Patriots.
In the team’s come-from-behind win over the Chiefs, Henry racked up 156 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. His 6.8-yard average was a five-yard improvement from his previous start, when he managed just 1.8 yards per tote against the Jaguars. Henry left Arrowhead Stadium fired up. He did a celebration tribute to former Titans running back Chris Johnson after is 35-yard scoring scamper, and he slapped hands with fans on the way off the field.
Henry’s day against the Chiefs was a historic one.
In addition to his 156 rushing yards at Kansas City, Henry also contributed 35 yards on a pair of receptions. His 191 total scrimmage yards broke Billy Cannon’s 57-year-old franchise postseason record for a single game (178). Henry racked up more than half of his rushing yards in the fourth quarter, carrying eight times for 85 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown run. His runs of 12 yards and 22 yards during the final drive helped the Titans cement the victory. Since the 1991 season, only two players have rushed for more yards in the fourth quarter of a playoff game than Henry.
Henry’s 390 fourth-quarter rushing yards during the regular season ranked second in the NFL behind Kansas City’s Kareem Hunt (474). No player averaged more yards per carry in the final stanza than Henry, who gained 6.09 yards per attempt (minimum 25 carries)
Henry said his work this offseason helped prepare him the latter stages of games.
Now, the Titans hope to sustain the success against the Patriots. New England finished the regular season ranked 20th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (114.8), and 31st in rushing yards per carry (4.7).
(Courtesy TitansOnLine.Com)