Derrick Henry Leads the Titans’ Run-More Rebellion

By November, during a four-game win streak, the Titans had shifted and made Henry the focus of their offense, running more often than Tannehill passed. The deep pass was still a credible threat, and though used judiciously, it had a significant impact on the outcome of games and on Henry’s rushing totals, since it kept opposing defenses honest.

Tannehill attempted the second fewest passes per game in the N.F.L., but gained the 10th most yards per game through the air. The Titans’ passing attack was distinctive: fewer passes but for more effect, as Tannehill’s passes traveled an average of 9.7 yards — third longest in the N.F.L. At the same time, Henry’s rushing yards per game during the win streak vaulted to 149.8, and he ended up leading the league in rushing. It helped that Tennessee’s massive offensive line, led by Rodger Saffold, the top guard in the free agent market signed by the Titans last March, started to play with more cohesion. As some offensive lines shrink to guard against speedy pass rushers, the Titans start five guys who weigh more than 300 pounds, four of whom are around six and a half feet tall.

In the postseason, the Titans’ unusual run-pass split has grown even more lopsided — Henry’s 64 rushing carries this month dwarf Tannehill’s 19 passing attempts, a ratio that is right out of the 1950s.

Balance, however, is still a governing principle of a modern proficient offense, so don’t expect the Titans to abandon a downfield passing attack that remains an integral part of any formula to win. But Baldinger noted that a dominant running game seemed to be harder to come by, which makes the Titans more naturally two-dimensional.

“There’s a serious lesson for every team in what the Titans are doing,” Baldinger said. “A defense can’t take away the pass and a good running game.”

Tennessee, meanwhile, does not plan to alter its approach.

“It’s the style we play, it’s the way we’re built,” Art Smith, the Tennessee offensive coordinator, said.

As for Henry, he is simply enjoying the ride.

“My goal is to finish every run,” he said after the Titans’ demolition of Baltimore.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/16/sports/derrick-henry-titans-playoffs.html?emc=rss&partner=rss