Derrick Henry is the best running back in the National Football League and very few will argue against it now.
It does not make any sense for someone to be that big and strong, yet have the breakaway speed and ability to break multiple tackles the way he does. Henry has the Tennessee Titans at 5-0 after his massive performance on Sunday against the Houston Texans, delivering the team to a 42-36 win in overtime. He turned in his first 200-yard outing of the season and third of his career, posting 212 yards rushing with two touchdowns on 22 carries. Henry averaged 9.6 yards per rush, while shifting the momentum to the Titans in the fourth quarter. The 6-foot-3, 247-pounder got the ball deep in his own end zone, made one cut and took off 94 yards to the house. Even though people are no longer baffled by his speed, it was still incredible to watch.
Houston led by two points (23-21) prior to the play, but Henry decided to flip the script.
THAT’S ROYALTY! ?
94-yard TD run for @KingHenry_2
?: Watch #HOUvsTEN on CBS pic.twitter.com/44iVQKCwVR
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 18, 2020
Six of his 22 carries resulted in first downs or scores — including a 5-yard touchdown to win the game in overtime.
He had three runs of 15 yards or more and his 94-yard burst topped his fastest speed at 21.62 miles per hour. Henry has made life easier for Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. With the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner and 2019 NFL rushing champion pounding the Texans’ defensive front, Tannehill was able to complete 30 of 41 passes for 364 yards with four scores to one interception.
Henry has feasted on both Jacksonville and Houston throughout his career.
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This was the second 200-yard showing he put on the Texans. He has three 100-plus yard performances this season and 13 for his career.
Henry has even joined elite company when comes to Titans/Oilers running backs.
He is now fourth all-time in franchise history for rushing yards (4,421), trailing Chris Johnson (7,965), Earl Campbell (8,574) and Eddie George (10,009).
He ain’t lying.
Mount Rushmore of Running Backs. https://t.co/C2pQb1mDBK pic.twitter.com/HMLGvWC9s0
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 19, 2020
Henry leads the NFL for carries (123) and rushing yards (588), while tying for second in touchdowns (six).
He is on pace to have a third consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaign.
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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.
