Can Derrick Henry Take the Titans to the Playoffs?

Credit: @NFL

After a huge win last night, the Tennessee Titans are still in the hunt for the last AFC Wild Card spot. The Titans are now 7-6 and are currently just below the Baltimore Ravens for the last spot. If the Ravens lose this week they still would earn the playoff spot, but the Titans are definitely in the mix. Tennessee has a great schedule coming in the next 3 weeks: at New York Giants, and two home games against the Washington Redskins and Indianapolis Colts. 

Last night, the Titans put the beat down on the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a 30-9 victory thanks to powerhouse Running Back Derrick Henry. El Tractorcito racked up 4 TDs and 238 yards on the ground, which is a Titans franchise record. The Titans looked to be firing on all cylinders last night on offense, which something that has not happened often this year. Although the Jaguars have not looked like their normal selves on defense, they are still a very solid unit and the fact that Henry was having such an easy time with them is something to look forward to for the next three weeks. 

It looks like Tennessee Titans have the easiest path to the last Wild Card spot, but the games are far from giveaways. What is going to help the team is the fact that two of those next three games are at home for Tennessee and they have been a great home team this year. They have a 5-1 record in Nashville this season and will look to use their winning momentum going into the next three. The Titans defense is not a concern whatsoever. They have been a solid unit for the majority of the season and are currently 3rd in Defensive PPG allowed in the NFL. Their offense however, has been a major concern. The offensive line has had problems protecting their franchise QB Marcus Mariota, which has resulted in Mariota being banged up throughout the year. 

Derrick Henry has been limited this season as far as carries go, but last night he broke free for two big rushing TDs (99,54) and he tacked on two more just for the heck of it, but will Tennessee finally take off Henry’s training wheels and let him eat up some carries? It’s hard to tell, but I’d say it would be difficult for them to ignore the fact that he had the best rushing night in Titans history. For the Titans to make an impact in the Playoffs, they will have to have a consistent offense and if last night is any indication of Tennessee rushing attack going forward, they could be a dark horse to possibly make a run. Their offense will be a huge factor, because they will have to compete with the likes of Kansas City and New England and they will bring their A game for sure.

Yacs