Derrick Henry could define the future of the running back position
Recently, one of the biggest stories around the NFL has been the status of running backs in the league. Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and Tony Pollard, three of the best at the position, will all play the 2023 season on the franchise tag. All three had hoped to ink long-term deals, but ultimately that did […]
Recently, one of the biggest stories around the NFL has been the status of running backs in the league.
Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and Tony Pollard, three of the best at the position, will all play the 2023 season on the franchise tag. All three had hoped to ink long-term deals, but ultimately that did not happen.
Many wonder if any running back can change the narrative that the position just isn't that important anymore.
According to Rich Eisen, the Titans may have the one guy who can do it.
While discussing the issue on the Rich Eisen Show, Eisen unleashed on a rant declaring Henry the most important RB of the season.
"I want to see him be healthy the entire year. I want to see him rampaging everybody," Eisen declared. Eisen went on to say that he hopes Henry carries the Titans "further than anybody thought."
Eisen noted that Henry will turn 30 during the season, making him the perfect candidate to shift the narrative."That's the guy (Henry). More than McCaffrey. More than those kids that got drafted," proclaimed the veteran analyst.
Eisen certainly has a point. Henry led the league in carries in 2019, 2020, and 2022. Leading the league in carries again as a 30-year-old would obliterate the narrative that all running backs are ineffective after their first contract. Even with the addition of star receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Henry is still expected to be the focal point of the Titans' offense.
While Eisen was ultimately complimenting Henry, the pressure placed upon the RB is unfair. If Henry enters the 2023 season thinking he has to prove why his position deserves more respect, that could be a recipe for disaster.
It is unclear how or if the running back position will get back to being highly valued. Would a 2,000 yard season from a 30-year-old Henry help things? Maybe. But Henry is just one man, after all.
Featured image via © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK