There is a famous proverb that says, “if you look back, you’ll soon be going that way.” Although Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry had a breakthrough 2018 season, he has already put last year’s accomplishments behind him.
“We’re not worried about last year – last year is in the past,” Henry said during a press conference with the media last week. “You have to start over. Building with this team in OTAs and the offseason and trying to get this thing going, but not really worried about last year. It’s in the past.”
Before last season, Henry’s career was viewed as a bit of a disappointment. When he was at Alabama, Henry rushed for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior and won the 2015 Heisman Trophy. Furthermore, he helped the Crimson Tide win the National Championship over the Clemson Tigers.
Early shortcomings for Henry
After declaring for the NFL Draft as a junior, Henry was selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Despite high expectations, he failed to rush for over 800 yards in each of his first two seasons in the league.
Last season was the by far the best season of Henry’s career. After failing to rush for over 1,000 yards during his first two seasons, Henry crossed the threshold last year as he ran for 1,059 yards and 12 touchdowns. Henry saved his best work for the final month of the season.
Last December, Henry registered 97 carries for 625 yards and eight touchdowns. In a Thursday night game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Henry ran for a franchise record 238 yards. A week later, Henry recorded 170 rushing yards in a victory over the Giants and was later named the AFC December Offensive Player of the Month.
2019 offseason
As he enters the final year under his rookie contract, Henry is focusing on getting better as the Tennessee Titans have a new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith.
Once Matt LaFleur departed to coach the Green Bay Packers, the Titans promoted Arthur Smith from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator.
“I love Arthur, so it has been fun,” Henry said. “I have known Arthur going on year four, so I am excited, and now it’s about building team chemistry when we’re out here. You build on the positives and try to improve on the negatives.”
After having a mid-season chat with Tennessee Titans legend Eddie George about his lack of success in the league, Henry has improved and nearly guided the Titans to the postseason. Not only will he look to lead the team back to the postseason, but Henry will also look to build on his 2018 season.
It remains to be seen if Henry can carry his December momentum into 2019, but if he can, expect the Titans to be in the mix of the playoff race in the AFC. Also at stake is a contract extension – the Titans will definitely lock up Henry for the foreseeable future if he has another big year.
Antwan Staley is a writer for PFN covering the Tennessee Titans. You can follow him @antwanstaley on Twitter.