The Tennessee Titans relied a good bit on quarterback Ryan Tannehill to help turn the offense around as they made a run for the AFC Championship Game last season, but if any player deserves more credit, it’s running back Derrick Henry.
NFL.com’s Maurice Jones-Drew recently released his rankings for rushers, and placed Henry at No. 7 — directly behind Saquon Barkley and ahead of Dalvin Cook.
Here’s a look at what Jones-Drew had to say about that ranking (these rankings were released before Henry agreed to a four-year, $50 million extension on Wednesday).
“I know the two sides still have until July 15 to get a deal done, but I’m still trying to figure out why the Titans haven’t signed Henry to a long-term extension yet. He was incredible last season, winning the league rushing title and taking the team to the AFC Championship Game. So they franchise-tag Henry and pay Ryan Tannehill, the guy who turned around and handed the ball to Henry? Hmmm … doesn’t quite add up, does it? All I know is, I’m ready for Henry to ball out again.”
The six backs ahead of Henry on MJD’s list are as follows:
- Christian McCaffrey
- Ezekiel Elliot
- Nick Chubb
- Alvin Kamara
- Joe Mixon
- Saquon Barkley
This ranking differs from ESPN’s list, which placed Henry at No. 5.
Henry finished out the 2019 season with 303 carries for 1,540 rushing yards -— earning the league’s rushing title — and 16 rushing touchdowns. He also reeled in 18 receptions for 206 yards and two scores.
It will be interesting to see how Henry builds off his momentum with rookie Darrynton Evans behind him when the Titans get back to football.
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