Some people were doubting the Tennessee Titans coming into this season, especially after running back Derrick Henry‘s Jones fracture last season.
But they came out and won seven of eight games after losing their first two, despite an anemic passing attack and pass defense.
However, Tennessee got pounded on Sunday by the Philadelphia Eagles, 35-10, which dropped its record to 7-5 on the season and caused some concern among its fans.
Are the Titans still playoff-bound, or are they starting to slip?
Is Henry The Same?
Just a couple of years ago, Henry became one of a handful of tailbacks to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, and in doing so, he led the Titans to an 11-5 record while winning the Offensive Player of the Year award.
Although his numbers this season are still gaudy – 1,078 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 12 games – he may have lost a bit of his former dominance.
Henry is averaging just 4.2 yards per carry this season, compared to 5.4 in his historic 2022 season, and he is leading the NFL with 247 carries, which has to make one wonder if his risk for another injury is elevated.
Against Philly on Sunday, he had 11 carries but just 30 yards, which translates to a weak 2.7 yards per rushing attempt.
I thought Derrick Henry would have his way with our defense today… Bro got out rushed by Tannehill😭😩🙆🏾♂️😂 pic.twitter.com/XtTGl4H8N9
— The Gold Bomber🤴🏾 (@MiIes) December 5, 2022
The Saving Grace For Tennessee
Henry may have gone down a peg, and starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill‘s numbers may be down this season, but there is one thing that could single-handedly ensure the Titans a playoff spot.
As of now, they’re three games ahead of the 4-8 Colts for the top spot in the AFC South, and other than the woeful NFC South, the AFC South has been the weakest division in football.
The Colts got devoured by the Dallas Cowboys, 54-19, on Sunday, and QB Matt Ryan has been a big disappointment for them this year.
As long as the Titans don’t collapse in their remaining games, they can look forward to at least one postseason contest this winter.
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