NASHVILLE – Former Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry has started the 2024 season in dominant fashion with the Baltimore Ravens.

Through five weeks, Henry is leading the NFL in rushing yards (572), rushing touchdowns (6), and yards per game (114.4). He has surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards and 100 career all-purpose touchdowns while looking even better than he did in his final years with the Titans.

As a matter of fact, Henry's 6.0 yards per carry in 2024 is the highest of his entire NFL career. That's unbelievable for a 30-year-old running back with a place already reserved in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Towards the end of Henry's Titans tenure, it often seemed like he did not have the same burst or playmaking ability that he did in his 2,000-yard 2020 campaign. It wouldn't be surprising given how rapidly we have seen running backs decline in the past. But with 114.4 yards per game and multiple 50+ yard runs, perhaps Henry's dip in production was more on his supporting cast in Tennessee.

Let's face it…Henry runs like a freight train. And the more speed and momentum he builds, the more unstoppable he becomes. Getting Henry going before first contact has always been the key to success. The Titans failed to do that over the last few years due to lackluster offensive line play. 

In 2023, Henry averaged 2.1 yards before contact per rush attempt. That was the third worst among the 23 NFL running backs with at least 200 carries. 

In Baltimore in 2024, that number is up to 3.4 yards before contact per rush attempt. That's third best figure in the NFL among qualified runners.

Across the board, regardless of how it's measured, the Ravens are doing a better job of getting Henry to the line of scrimmage cleaner. It's paying dividends for them.

Ravens running backs are second in the NFL in yards per carry before contact. Only the Eagles are better in that regard. Meanwhile in Tennessee, Titans running backs are dead last by a significant margin. 

As a result, the rushing offense has been inefficient and ineffective. RB Tony Pollard is averaging 4.0 yards per carry, which is 32nd among qualified running backs. RB Tyjae Spears is averaging 3.2 yards per carry, which is 49th among qualified backs. 

Pollard's 4.0 yards per carry is tied for the worst of his six-year NFL career.

Add it to the list of ways the offensive line has been detrimental to the Titans' offense. With more effective run blocking, the Titans can stay ahead of the sticks and on schedule while enabling their playmakers to create explosive runs. 

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Derrick Henry has another milestone to add to his Hall of Fame NFL resume. This one proves he may be the last of a football dying breed.