Derrick Henry running with the football for the Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans’ playoff hopes were dashed in Week 15 with a devastating 19-16 overtime loss to the Houston Texans. The defeat was particularly painful considering the Texans were missing key players, including starting quarterback C.J. Stroud and their top two receivers. This loss came on the heels of a remarkable comeback victory for the Titans against the Miami Dolphins in Week 14, highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued their season.
The Titans’ rookie quarterback, Will Levis, struggled throughout the game, facing consistent pressure from the Texans’ defense. Tennessee’s usually potent running game, led by star running back Derrick Henry, was completely shut down, further compounding Levis’ difficulties.
Entering the game, Henry boasted an impressive streak against the Texans, having rushed for over 126 yards in five consecutive games, often exceeding 200 yards in those matchups. This historical dominance made his Week 15 performance all the more shocking. Henry managed a mere nine yards on 16 carries and only one additional yard on four receptions. This dismal outing marked the worst game of Henry’s career and coincided with the Titans’ official elimination from playoff contention.
Following the game, a somber Henry reflected on the loss and the potential end of his tenure with the Titans. “Yeah, definitely today you had that feeling [that it could be the end of my career with the Titans],” Henry admitted, acknowledging the weight of the situation. “I had hope of kind of slipping in there [the playoffs], and then being eliminated with three games left. I’ve been here my whole career. Definitely wanted to go out strong, which that isn’t the case.” With free agency looming, Henry’s future with the team remains uncertain.
Henry’s historically poor performance against the Texans etched his name in the NFL record books for all the wrong reasons. According to a tweet by Ryan McDowell, Henry became the first player in NFL history to register 20 or more touches in a game while accumulating less than 15 total yards from scrimmage.
For a player who has been among the league’s premier running backs for the past five years, Henry’s struggles suggest that the physical toll of the position may be catching up to him. This season has arguably been the least productive of his career, raising questions about his future performance. The once unstoppable force seems to be showing signs of decline, a common fate for many great running backs in the NFL.
