There are three guarantees in life: death, taxes and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry performing at a ridiculously high level on the football field.
Henry has carved out an impressive Hall of Fame-caliber career for himself over these last few years. Yet, before every single season, people try to talk themselves into believing this will be the year that the King gets overthrown.
Needless to say, that hasn’t happened to the legendary ball carrier just yet. Henry is not only fifth in rushing yards (601) after eight contests, but three of the players in front of him have played in an extra game thus far.
On top of that, the former Offensive Player of the Year also has the highest overall grade at his position (88.6), per Pro Football Focus. Unsurprisingly, Henry has officially been named to PFF’s midseason All-Pro team.
PFF's Midseason All-Pro Offense 📊 pic.twitter.com/QHPNwqhBhE
— PFF (@PFF) November 8, 2023
The Alabama product ranks in the top five at his position in pass-blocking (87.0, second highest), run grade (83.4, fifth highest) and receiving grade (81.8, second highest).
Having a player of that caliber on the offensive side of the ball undoubtedly helps to make life easier for Tennessee’s rookie quarterback, Will Levis.
Henry’s mere presence forces opposing defenses to account for the star running back on every play. Subsequently, that opens up the play-action attack while also forcing defenders to play closer to the line of scrimmage whenever No. 22 is in the backfield.
The All-Pro ball carrier is a complete running back in every possible way. If the Titans are going to claw their way out of the 3-5 hole they’re in, you can bet that The King will be one of the main reasons why.