Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry had his best season as a pro in 2019 en route to winning the rushing title (1,540 yards) and tying for the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL.
While he’s certainly one of the favorites to finish atop each of those categories once again in 2020 thanks to his being the workhorse in a run-heavy offense, Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton doesn’t think he can do it.
Moton made predictions for which players will lead the NFL in different statistical categories and named Henry as his pick for rushing touchdowns (15), but not yards.
Since 2018, Henry lists second in rushing touchdowns with 28. After he registered 303 carries in 2019, the coaching staff may lighten his load with rookie third-rounder Darrynton Evans on the roster.
Still, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith should continue to pound the ball with his lead ball-carrier within the red zone. Henry logged 13 rushing touchdowns inside the opposing team’s 20-yard line last year. He epitomizes the Titans’ physical offense, so we shouldn’t expect the coaching staff to move away from him at the end of drives.
Pro Football Focus differs from Moton, as the network named Henry as its pick for the 2020 rushing yards leader.
Moton points out the loss of Jack Conklin, who was an elite run-blocking right tackle for the Titans last season, as a big reason why Henry might fall short of a second rushing title.
However, it’s important to note that Tennessee will still be returning four-fifths of its dominant run-blocking offensive line, and Dennis Kelly, who has proven to be a viable starter in the past, is the favorite to take Conklin’s spot in a competition that will take place between he and rookie Isaiah Wilson.
For his rushing yards prediction, Moton chooses New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley as the pick, with Carolina Panthers back Christian McCaffrey as the runner-up.
For his prediction of most yards from scrimmage, it’s flipped, with McCaffrey taking home the honor and Barkley being the runner-up. In this particular instance, it isn’t too surprising Henry wasn’t one of the choices, as he is used sparingly in the passing game.
Regardless of whether he leads the league in rushing or not, Henry is primed to have another huge season in 2020 and will continue to show why he’s the heart and soul of this Titans offense.
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