The Tennessee Titans bid farewell to their long-time running back Derrick Henry this past March, as he signed with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency. However, the Titans organization doesn’t seem overly concerned about the potential offensive impact of his departure.
To address the void left by Henry, the Titans acquired Tony Pollard and are also highly optimistic about the contributions of second-year running back Tyjae Spears.
Tony Pollard in a Dallas Cowboys Uniform
Entering the 2024 season, Tennessee believes the combined efforts of Pollard and Spears will effectively replace Henry’s production. Running backs coach Randy Jordan expressed his enthusiasm for the new dynamic duo.
“I am really excited to work with them,” Jordan remarked, according to Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official website. Having observed Pollard’s performance in the NFC East, Jordan was thrilled about the opportunity to acquire him, praising the skill sets of both Pollard and Spears.
While Pollard is projected to be the primary ball carrier, Jordan intends to strategically utilize both backs in various situations. He emphasized their versatility, highlighting their ability to contribute not only as runners but also as receivers out of the backfield. Jordan views their combined rushes and receptions as a comprehensive measure of their contributions. He believes this multifaceted approach will be crucial to the team’s success and that the two players are developing a strong on-and-off-field rapport.
In the 2023 season with the Dallas Cowboys, Pollard amassed impressive statistics, rushing for 1,005 yards and six touchdowns, averaging four yards per carry. He also proved his receiving prowess with 55 receptions for 311 yards.
Meanwhile, Spears showcased his potential during his rookie season, accumulating 453 rushing yards and two touchdowns with a 4.5 yards-per-attempt average. Furthermore, he contributed significantly in the passing game, catching 52 passes for 385 yards and a touchdown.
The critical question remains: can Pollard and Spears replicate Henry’s long-standing impact on the Titans’ offense? While matching Henry’s peak performance might be a tall order, they possess the potential to equal his 2023 output.
Last season, Henry recorded 1,167 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. While his efficiency might have declined compared to previous years, his ability to wear down opposing defenses remained a valuable asset.
Considering Henry’s age (30) and the Titans’ rebuilding phase, parting ways was a logical decision for both parties. Henry’s desire for a Super Bowl championship and the Titans’ focus on long-term development led to this amicable separation. In contrast, Pollard is 27, and Spears is only 22, offering the Titans a younger and potentially more dynamic backfield for the future.
The 2024 season will reveal whether the Pollard-Spears partnership can successfully erase the memory of Derrick Henry in Tennessee. The combination of Pollard’s proven talent and Spears’ promising potential offers the Titans a compelling reason for optimism as they embark on a new chapter in their running game.
