BY: ZACH MCADOO
Derrick Henry this year has proven why he should be in consideration to be the best RB in the NFL, not to mention he should be a 99 overall on Madden too. Yes, the gaming nerd in me had to include that, especially because a 95 is too low. After rushing for 1540 yards last season, he has 1532 on the year so far, and I think that he could get to 2000 yards if he plays out the year. With three games to go, he needs 468 yards, which comes out to 156 yards per game. If you look at his opponents for those three games, you will see that it is a real possibility.
This week it is Detroit. The Lions defense is not that great and can be exploited by the run. They have allowed over 200 yards to RB on two separate occasions. Henry has that explosiveness to get to the Detroit safeties and keep going. Do not be surprised if they allow Henry to light them up in their game.
Next week it is Green Bay. The toughest matchup of the three for Henry and the Titans. The Packers are giving up less than 100 yards per game, so Henry may not get to the 156 mark he needs from his average to get. Green Bay may be able to contain Henry and put a monkey wrench into the 2000 yard season.
Then week 17, the Titans play the Texans, a Texans team that Derrick Henry was able to run all over in week 6. Henry had 212 yards in the first matchup, and the Texans allowed 263 yards rushing as a whole in the game. This is the worst defense in terms of rushing yards wise that the Titans face as the Texans are giving up 138 yards per game. Derrick Henry again will go off and rush almost as well as the first matchup.
I honestly am rooting for him to get the 2000 yards. I want to see more history in the NFL, and another 2000 yard rusher is history. In 2013 I watched Peterson come up just 9 yards short of the record and was sad a little bit. It is probably out of the window for a new record to happen this year, but don’t doubt the 2000 yard possibility.
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