It was not a pleasant night for Stephen Gostkowski and both defenses for the Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos played well, but Derrick Henry prevailed in the end.
He did not have much room to run and despite four missed field goals, the former University of Alabama running back and 2015 Heisman winner still pushed his team to victory on Monday Night Football.
After having two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons — including a 1,500-yard campaign in 2019 — Henry opened this year with 116 yards rushing on 31 carries for the Titans in its 16-14 win over the Broncos. While four of his 31 attempts resulted in first downs, he was pivotal on the Titans’ final drive. Henry helped pace the offense on a 12-play, 83-yard drive in the fourth quarter that ended on a 25-yard, game-winning kick from Gostkowski. In his race to be the rushing champion of the National Football League last year, Henry propelled the Titans to close wins in seven matchups. He had eight 100-yard performance, with his two finest outings come against the New England Patriots (182) and Baltimore Ravens (195) in the AFC playoffs.
The 6-foot-3, 247-pounder signed a four-year extension worth $50 million on July 15.
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Even with his teammate, Rashaan Evans, getting ejected, Henry had the guys on his shoulders.
He was a national champion at Alabama, and now he’s picking up his pro game where he left off last season.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
