The best passer on the Tennessee Titans roster might not be a quarterback.
During the second quarter of the Titans’ Week 16 game against the Seattle Seahawks, they pulled out some trickery on a trip to the red zone, opting to have star running back Derrick Henry attempt a pass. The play worked out exactly as Tennessee hoped, as Henry lofted a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo.
It was the Titans’ first touchdown pass since Dec. 10, as Tennessee failed to record one last week against the Houston Texans. After watching the play by Henry, who has two touchdown passes this season, NFL fans couldn’t resist making the same joke about the Titans.
DERRICK HENRY QB1!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/TJyw01gsO1
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 24, 2023
Henry’s touchdown pass, his fourth in nine career regular-season attempts, prompted fans to joke that the 247-pound tailback is a better passer than the team’s starter for Week 16, Ryan Tannehill, who was forced back into action with rookie starter Will Levis injured.
Derrick Henry is a better QB than Tannehill pic.twitter.com/k12Fx2Cwf0
— Johnny Barks (@Johnny_Barks) December 24, 2023
Passing TDs this season:
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) December 24, 2023
Derrick Henry 2
Ryan Tannehill 2pic.twitter.com/nW7gSCJn8a
Henry might be the best QB on the team 💀
— 𝟐𝟑 👑 (@BronWorld) December 24, 2023
For what it’s worth, Henry does have the same number of touchdown passes as Tannehill this season. Others marveled at Henry’s wildly efficient passing statistics over the course of his career.
Derrick Henry’s career passing stats: 7-of-9, 37 passing yards, 4 touchdowns
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 24, 2023
Most efficient QB in NFL history imo
And one fan couldn’t resist poking fun at the Washington Commanders’ putrid offensive showing in the first half of their game against the New York Jets.
Derrick Henry has more passing touchdowns that Washington does at halftime
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) December 24, 2023
In all seriousness, the Titans might want to draw up a few more passing plays for Henry in the red zone, given just how effective he’s been.