Derrick Henry’s departure was inevitable as Titans build pass-first offense

Ben Arthur

AFC South Reporter

Derrick Henry’s departure from the Tennessee Titans felt inevitable before it became official Tuesday, when he confirmed that he had agreed to terms with the Baltimore Ravens. It has felt inevitable for a while, even with new coach Brian Callahan and general manager Ran Carthon never ruling out a return. 

Dating back to last season’s trade deadline, there had been speculation Henry could be moved. Then he bid farewell after Tennessee’s final home game in 2023, grabbing the microphone at Nissan Stadium to thank fans for the “greatest eight years of my life.” The Titans are a team now completely in a rebuild, led by an offensive-minded Callahan who prioritizes the pass, a sharp contrast to the run-first schemes built around Henry the past several years. 

The writing had been on the wall. Then the franchise agreed to terms on a contract Monday with former Cowboys running back Tony Pollard, a league source confirmed to FOX Sports. 

And the reality is that this parting of ways is the best for both sides, even if it’s painful for Nashville. Even with all the memories Henry gave the city and franchise as one of its most iconic players ever. Like his legendary run in the 2019 postseason to carry the Titans to the AFC Championship Game. All the stiff arms. All the times he wore down opponents late and iced games in the fourth quarter, with “Henry!” chants ringing throughout Nissan Stadium. 

Henry ranks first in franchise history with 90 rushing touchdowns and second in carries (2,030) and rushing yards (9,502). What’s most impressive is his sustained greatness past his prime running back years. He has started to enter the same breath as the likes of Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore, who found success well into their 30s. 

Now 30, Henry is coming off a season with 1,167 yards — second in the league — playing behind one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines. He has ranked first or second in…

Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/derrick-henrys-departure-was-inevitable-as-titans-build-pass-first-offense

Author :

Publish date : 2024-03-12 17:49:05

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.