Stat shows Titans playcalling did Derrick Henry a massive disservice vs. Giants
One stat from the Tennessee Titans 21-20 loss to the Giants shows how the Titans playcalling did RB Derrick Henry a massive disservice during the game. After taking a 13-0 lead into halftime and having ample opportunity to pull away, the Titans offense failed to piece together complete drives in the second half, ultimately surrendering […]
One stat from the Tennessee Titans 21-20 loss to the Giants shows how the Titans playcalling did RB Derrick Henry a massive disservice during the game.
After taking a 13-0 lead into halftime and having ample opportunity to pull away, the Titans offense failed to piece together complete drives in the second half, ultimately surrendering the lead and the game in the final minutes.
To a distant observer, it would seem like Derrick Henry's mediocre performance had a lot to do with the team's failure. Henry averaged just 3.9 yards per carry. While Henry didn't have his best day, Titans playcallers did him no favors:
That's right, the Titans ran 19 plays on 2nd or 3rd down needing 5 yards or less, and they got the ball in Henry's hands on just two (2) of those plays.
Derrick Henry is the best weapon the Titans have. He's one of the best offensive weapons in all of football. In short-yardage, extend the drive scenarios, your offense has to find a way to put the ball in your best playmaker's hands.
Not every time. Nuance and balance are also essential, but two of 19 is unacceptable. Sometimes, the simplest calls are the correct ones.
To make matters worse, essentially every touch the Titans did give to Henry came in the same down-and-distance scenario.
When it got to 1st and 10, every fan and media member in Nissan Stadium had a pretty good idea that the Titans were going to give Henry the ball.
You have to think the Giants defense did too.
Ultimately, the Titans coaching staff needs to learn when to take their shots. One of the things that makes Henry so valuable is the fear that he puts in other defenses, allowing you to open the field for a big play through the air in play-action pass.
That's when you can get tricky, but you can't do that if you don't switch up your tendencies over the course of a game.
With the Titans looking to make some need improvement before Monday night's game in Buffalo, they need to start with putting the most dangerous running back in football in a position to succeed.
Image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
