As the Tennessee Titans head into an upcoming showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, all eyes will be on Derrick Henry. Once a dominating force in the NFL, the running back who carried the Titans to playoff glory in seasons past is now under scrutiny.
For Tennessee to beat Baltimore and continue making a serious run at playoff contention, Henry’s performance must improve, or the Titans will have to find a way to move forward without him in the future. There can be no excuses.
The Importance of Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry has been the heart and soul of the Titans’ offense for years. His bruising, downhill running style has been the focal point of the team’s attack, and his success has often set the tone for the entire offense.
When Henry is clicking, the Titans are able to control the clock, impose their will on opposing defenses, and open up the passing game for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
He is the type of player who can break a game open with one long run, and his ability to wear down defenses over the course of four quarters is one of the reasons the Titans have been so successful in recent seasons.
However, over the past year, things have begun to change. Henry’s once-unstoppable force has started to look more mortal. While still a formidable running back, Henry has not been the game-changer he once was. Injuries, aging, and the growing competition at running back have all contributed to a noticeable decline in his performance.
Whether it’s been his inability to break tackles, the lack of explosive runs, or his declining yards per carry, Henry has been struggling to maintain the level of dominance that fans have come to expect from him.
And while there’s no doubt that he is still a talented back, the reality is that the Titans’ success hinges on his ability to return to form.
Why the Ravens Are a Tough Test
The Baltimore Ravens present a unique challenge to the Titans, both offensively and defensively. Defensively, the Ravens have long been one of the most ferocious and disciplined units in the league, capable of shutting down a team’s ground game and pressuring the quarterback.
With players like Roquan Smith and Marcus Williams leading the charge, Baltimore can stifle any running back who isn’t firing on all cylinders. If the Titans are to have any hope of controlling the game on the ground, Henry will need to be at his best.
Offensively, the Ravens have an explosive dual-threat quarterback in Lamar Jackson, whose playmaking ability can stretch a defense to its limits. This puts extra pressure on the Titans’ defense and creates opportunities for big plays.
To keep the ball out of Jackson’s hands and limit the number of possessions in the game, the Titans will need to control the time of possession with a successful running game. That means Henry must step up and deliver.
The Decline of Derrick Henry
While Derrick Henry’s physical gifts are still impressive, his numbers in recent seasons have been concerning. In 2023, he has shown signs of wear and tear, averaging fewer yards per carry and struggling to break long runs.
The Titans’ offensive line has certainly played a role in this decline, but Henry’s inability to create yards on his own or force missed tackles has been noticeable.
His vision, speed, and power that once made him a nightmare for defenders have seemed less consistent, and the question is now being asked: Is Derrick Henry still the same player?
It’s not just about raw production. The Titans have invested heavily in Henry’s success, structuring their offense around his ability to carry the load. If Henry isn’t the player he once was, it could spell trouble for the entire team.
The Titans can’t afford to rely solely on a player who may no longer be able to take over a game. For the Titans to have a real shot at beating a team like the Ravens, Henry must get back to his dominant form.
No Excuses
There’s no more room for excuses. Derrick Henry has been a cornerstone of this franchise, and the Titans have built an offense around his talents.
But in the NFL, players don’t get the luxury of staying in the spotlight forever—especially when their performance starts to slip. For the Titans to compete with the Ravens and any other playoff-caliber team, Henry must show up.
At this stage of his career, it’s fair to ask whether the Titans’ offense can still function as it once did with Henry leading the charge. If Henry can’t return to form, it may be time to rework the offensive scheme to focus on more diverse and dynamic threats.
But in this game against the Ravens, there is no time to waste. The Titans must do everything they can to get the most out of Henry, or they risk falling short once again.
Conclusion
The Titans are in a crucial position: to beat the Ravens and stay in playoff contention, Derrick Henry must elevate his game. There can be no excuses. If he doesn’t, it may be time for the Titans to re-evaluate their offensive strategy moving forward.
The Ravens are a tough opponent, but with Henry at his best, the Titans have a chance to defeat them and prove that they can still compete at the highest level.
Time is running out for Henry to prove that he is still the game-changing force he once was. The Titans can only wait so long before they have to make a difficult decision.
