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Derrick Henry has Titans in position for playoffs after strong game vs. Kansas City

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Mularkey knew he was getting a power back, when he took Derrick Henry in the second round (45th overall pick) of this year’s NFL Draft. He’s carried the ball in spurts, but Sunday’s match-up against Kansas City opened a opportunity for him to get his first milestone.

The former Alabama standout and 2015 Heisman Trophy winner recorded a multi-touchdown game, including a one-yard burst to the end zone to cap off a 12-play drive in the fourth quarter.

https://twitter.com/NFLonLive/status/810592540072230913

Henry totaled 58 yards on nine carries, while both his scores came on drives covering 80-plus yards.

He averaged 6.4 yards per attempt in helping the Titans defeat the Chiefs 19-17 on the road. Kansas City was 6-2 at Arrowhead Stadium, prior to Sunday’s letdown. With Henry, Tennessee ranks third in the league in rushing offense (144.5 ypg), eighth in total offense (372.3 ypg) and ninth in scoring offense (24.7 ppg).

The Titans now pull to a tie with Houston for first in the AFC South at 8-6. Should it defeat the Texans on Jan. 1 and Houston drops another game, Tennessee would clinch a playoff berth as the division champion.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama MagazineYou can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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