Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears can be a Titans two-headed monster
NASHVILLE — Running backs Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears were always going to be an interesting watch together for the Tennessee Titans (1-1) this season. The franchise has relied on Henry to almost singularly carry their offense for nearly four straight seasons. Plenty of questions arose when Tennessee drafted Spears in the 2023 third round […]
NASHVILLE — Running backs Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears were always going to be an interesting watch together for the Tennessee Titans (1-1) this season. The franchise has relied on Henry to almost singularly carry their offense for nearly four straight seasons.
Plenty of questions arose when Tennessee drafted Spears in the 2023 third round about whether the rookie would even see the field.
Coach Mike Vrabel, general manager Ran Carthon and their respective staffs identified Spears as a player who could contribute to the Titans offense immediately. In Sunday's overtime win against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers (0-2), Henry and his rookie running mate provided the exact kind of balance Tennessee needs to see to the tune of 33 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown between them.
The Titans might have Smash & Dash 2.0 in 2023.
"Yeah, we hope so," said Henry on the strain the duo could put on opponents. "Be a one-two punch, a great tandem. Being able to make plays and move the ball down the field. I feel we did a great job as well."
Much was made of Henry's Week 1 usage when Tennessee dropped their season opener to the New Orleans Saints (1-0) by a 16-15 margin. The Titans bell cow carried the ball 10 times for 51 yards in the first half at New Orleans, but finished with 15 carries for 63 on the ground. Spears did not get more touches than Henry but did get a higher percentage of snaps (54%) than Henry in offensive coordinator Tim Kelly's debut with the team.
After quarterback Ryan Tannehill's meltdown, a lack of Henry touches was a common fan refrain.
"We're going to block for (Spears) one day, I promise you," said Vrabel on Monday. "And he's going to gain 30, 40, 50 yards. I'm not sure. Every time you think he's going to get tackled, he burst through for another five or six yards. (Tyjae's) got good vision, good balance, good play strength. Well-executed call there. Justin (Outten) helped Timmy (Tim Kelly) out there in overtime.
"That first drive he said, 'I want this play, I think we got him set up for it.' Heard Justin talking to Timmy. Timmy led off the drive. We had a good seal block, Dre (Andre Dillard) got around and got us some great yardage there to get us across the 50 and eventually kick that field goal. They both are going to help us. We got to make sure that we're continuing to get both of those guys the ball."
Any time Vrabel is asked about Tennessee's playmakers, Spears is mentioned with the likes of Henry, DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks. Now, the Titans just have to iron out the proper level of deployment.
Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.
