En route to the Tennessee Titans’ signature 34-31 win over the Buffalo Bills on “Monday Night Football,” running back Derrick Henry added another accolade to his cupboard.
The Titans running back became just the third player in NFL history with 750 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns through the first six weeks of a season, joining Jim Brown (1958) and Eric Dickerson (1983).
Henry jumpstarted the Titans’ offense early in the second quarter.
With just 29 yards on offense and trailing 6-0, the former Heisman Trophy winner found a seam in the Bills’ secondary, scampering down the field and into the end zone for a 76-yard touchdown run.
“The big run was kind of like the spark, so to speak,” quarterback Ryan Tannehill said after the game. “We moved the ball a little bit, but hadn’t really sustained any drives up until that point.”
Henry had 20 carries for 143 yards. He has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in five straight games.
Entering Monday’s matchup, the Titans running back averaged under 64 yards per game in three previous matchups with the Bills. Through the first five weeks, Buffalo’s run defense was third-best in the NFL, allowing 3.7 yards per carry.
And with Jeremy McNichols limited with an ankle injury, the Titans relied on Henry more in the passing game on Monday, leading to him hauling in two receptions for 13 yards, including a nine-yard catch to set up the team’s go-ahead touchdown.
“I just come out here and try to be the best player I can, the best teammate I can, and come out here and take advantage of opportunities and make plays for this team,” Henry said. “Do whatever I can do to give us a chance to win, I’m willing to do. Love this team, love this organization, love my teammates.”
Aside from McNichols, the Titans dealt with a number of injuries.
Caleb Farley and Cameron Batson were lost with torn ACLs, Julio Jones exited the game late with a hamstring injury, and Taylor Lewan was carted off after suffering a concussion just under five minutes before halftime.
Aside from Henry, the Titans’ offense was inconsistent at best. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was just 4-for-12 with 71 yards at halftime before finding a connection with wide receiver AJ Brown in the second half.
“When we’re able to run the football, able to continue and extend drives, that opens up the middle of the football field,” Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said. “That’s something we have to be very proficient at. We have to continue to use that as a weapon.”
The Titans collected a statement win on Monday night, but their schedule doesn’t get any easier, as they will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
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