In Week 15, Derrick Henry was far from the King Henry that Tennessee Titans fans have grown to love over the years. He looked more like a commoner as he struggled to show the magic that made him a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
In fact, against the Houston Texans, Henry claimed an unwanted record that he would rather not see. By finishing the game with 20 touches (16 carries, four receptions) and just 10 yards (nine on the ground, one on air), the Titans running back became the first player in the history of the league to have as many touches with less than 15 yards from the line of scrimmage, per Ryan McDowell of Locked on Dynasty.
It’s certainly a rather embarrassing display from Henry, and there’s no doubt that his shortcomings played a big role in the Titans’ 19-16 OT loss to the Texans. His production may have decreased this 2023 compared to the previous season, but the 10-yard display is a new low for him.
Making matters worse for Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans, the defeat meant that they are eliminated from playoff contention. They would have stayed in the NFL Playoff Picture with a win, as their record would have improved to 6-9 and keep them close to the Texans and Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South, but they simply fell short.
Of course, it left a bad taste on Henry’s mouth, knowing that he could have done better to help the team win.
“We felt like we had a chance to be close to slipping in if we won out. It’s tough, knowing we have three (games) left. There’s definitely a sour taste in your mouth. But there’s three games and we have to try to do the best we can to win those, and finish the season on a positive note,” Henry said of the loss and their playoff elimination, via the team’s website.
Now, Henry and the Titans move on with plenty of questions about their partnership.
Is Derrick Henry Leaving the Tennessee Titans After 2023?
Following the rather painful loss to the Houston Texans, Derrick Henry was naturally asked about his future with the Tennessee Titans. And in a rather emotional turn, the veteran running back admitted that he’s starting to contemplate about it now.
“Yeah, definitely today you had that feeling,” Henry when asked if it has come to his mind that he could be in his last days with the Titans. “I had hope of kind of slipping in there [the playoffs], and then being eliminated with three games left. I’ve been here my whole career. Definitely wanted to go out strong, which that isn’t the case.”
It’s not surprising why Henry is having second thoughts about his future with the Titans. His numbers this campaign (230 rushing attempts, 884 yards and 10 touchdowns) were a far cry from his production from last season (349 rushing attempts, 1538 yards and 13 touchdowns), and considering the decreasing value of running backs in the NFL, there might not really be a next season for him and Tennessee.
It has yet to be seen what the Titans will do, though it’s something worth monitoring in the offseason.
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