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News & Notes: Derrick Henry Won’t Be ‘The Guy That Gets the Ball 30 Times,’ Says Titans Coach
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel recently hinted at a significant shift in the team’s offensive approach, indicating that Derrick Henry, the star running back, will no longer be relied upon to carry the ball 30 times a game. This statement comes as the Titans look to diversify their offensive strategy, particularly in a season where Henry’s workload has often been a focal point of their game plan.
### **Vrabel’s Vision for a Balanced Offense**
In his comments, Vrabel emphasized the importance of spreading the workload across multiple players, especially with the growing importance of keeping Henry fresh and healthy for the long season ahead. “Derrick is a huge part of what we do, but we’ve got other guys that can contribute, and we want to be more versatile,” Vrabel stated. “We can’t be predictable or overly reliant on any one player.”
This strategy is a notable departure from the Titans’ previous game plans, where Henry has been the workhorse, regularly surpassing 25-30 carries per game. The decision appears to be a move toward a more balanced offense that doesn’t depend entirely on Henry’s power running.
### **Emerging Talent in the Backfield**
In an effort to reduce Henry’s workload, the Titans have been incorporating more plays for rookie running back Tyjae Spears. Spears, known for his speed and agility, offers a different style of play compared to Henry’s bruising, between-the-tackles approach. The combination of Spears and Henry is expected to keep defenses off-balance while preserving Henry’s longevity.
“Tyjae is a playmaker, and he’s going to see his share of touches,” said Vrabel. “Having a guy like Derrick is incredible, but we can’t expect him to do it all. That’s where Tyjae and the rest of the guys come in.” enry’s Response
Despite the shift in offensive philosophy, Derrick Henry has shown no signs of dissatisfaction. The former rushing champion remains focused on contributing in whatever way the team needs. “I’ll always be ready to do my job, whatever that means,” Henry commented after practice. “I trust the coaches, and I’m excited for what we can do as a team this season.”
Henry, who has built a reputation for his unmatched endurance and power, has been one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs over the past few seasons. However, as he ages, reducing his carry load could help extend his career and maintain his peak performance for years to come.
### **The Bigger Picture for the Titans**
The decision to limit Henry’s workload aligns with a broader league-wide trend of protecting running backs from burnout by utilizing committees and sharing the ball more evenly. The Titans’ passing game, led by quarterback Ryan Tannehill and receiver DeAndre Hopkins, is also expected to play a more prominent role moving forward.
Fans can expect to see more creative play-calling as the Titans evolve into a multi-faceted offense that doesn’t rely exclusively on Henry’s Herculean efforts. The team aims to become more unpredictable, which could help them contend more effectively in the competitive AFC South.
Looking Ahead
While Derrick Henry won’t be seeing the same heavy workloads that defined his past seasons, this change could work in his favor, allowing him to remain effective and explosive throughout the entire season. As the Titans continue to implement this new approach, it will be interesting to see how they balance Henry’s touches and whether this strategy leads to more success on the field.
