December Derrick: History suggests Titans RB is due for a big finish
"We're excited to see December Derrick." That is what Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing told me when I asked him about Titans running back Derrick Henry and his history of getting stronger as the NFL season goes on. Even with a 7-4 record, the Titans offense will need another boost from their running game […]
"We're excited to see December Derrick."
That is what Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing told me when I asked him about Titans running back Derrick Henry and his history of getting stronger as the NFL season goes on.
Even with a 7-4 record, the Titans offense will need another boost from their running game and star running back in order to finish the season strong and compete with the top teams in the AFC playoff picture. Downing knows how much Henry will be needed down the stretch.
The good news is that Henry has always gotten better over time.
Throughout his seven-year NFL career, Henry has played in 23 total games in the months of December and January. In those games, he is averaging 102.0 yards per game. That makes him third all-time in that stat, coming in just behind Barry Sanders (102.8) and Clinton Portis (104.9) as the greatest late season runner ever.
Here is a look at Henry's career numbers by month:
September – 69.4 rushing yards per game
October – 77.3 rushing yards per game
November – 75.6 rushing yards per game
December/January –102.0 rushing yards per game.
It's one thing to be among the all-time greats in yards per game, that's expected of a legendary back like Henry. But to have such a dramatic jump in production late in the season is a really fascinating trend. So, what makes Henry so special down the stretch?
December Derrick
Henry did not have much to say about his December success. When I asked him what he thought set himself apart from the rest of the league in the final few games, he replied with a humble "I don't know. I haven't even thought that much about that."
Luckily, offensive coordinator Todd Downing was able to offer some insight on the topic. Downing seemed to believe the December stats were a result of Henry's dedication and the Titans' organizational philosophy:
"I think it’s his dedication to taking care of himself," Downing told me. "Being conditioned enough to be able to sustain it at a high level physically throughout the course of the year. I think it’s been a commitment here to how we play football and that he’s got guys pushing piles for him and finishing blocks for him in December and January where maybe some other teams wouldn’t put that kind emphasis on it. So, I think it’s a culmination of things."
With the year winding down and the battle for playoff seeding heating up, now is the time the Titans will need Henry most. The difference between the third or fourth seed in the AFC playoff picture could be the difference in playing the New York Jets instead of Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
This is the environment he thrives in. It's cold out. Teams are ready to pack it in and call it a season while the Titans' physicality wears down everybody they play.
We could be in store for another month of rushing dominance for The King.
Welcome to December, Titans fans.
Image via George Walker IV / Tennessean.com-USA TODAY NETWORK
