Derrick Henry, Titans building their case for team to beat in AFC following another win
Ah, the AFC. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Tyreek Hill and the Miami Dolphins. And right under those two, Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans.
In a conference with so many talented quarterbacks, it's hard to predict who will finish atop the AFC. Five of the top-six current MVP favorites reside in the AFC. With a 7-3 record, Tennessee has a legitimate chance to finish above everyone in the conference.
It may sound a bit far-fetched, but it isn't. After all, the Titans were the AFC's top seed just one season ago.
Tennessee started the '22 season 0-2 but quickly rebounded and never looked back. The team has gone 7-1 since, with their only loss coming in overtime against Kansas City. Derrick Henry is a major reason why.
In seven-of-eight games during this stretch, Henry has totaled over 100 all-purpose yards. On five different occasions, the All-Pro running back hit 100 rushing yards alone.
Don't forget his ten combined touchdowns, either.
During the Titans' Week 11 contest against Green Bay, Henry was disruptive in every way imaginable. The 28-year-old logged 87 yards and a touchdown on the ground with 45 yards through the air, including a 42-yard reception.
And of course, this happened.
BIG MAN JUMP PASS! The @KingHenry_2 🪄 keeps on coming.
#TENvsGB on Prime Video
Also available on NFL+ bit.ly/3X4snyP https://t.co/wsOVwcwt6W
Scored another one for part-time quarterback Derrick Henry; his second passing touchdown in two seasons.
Ryan Tannehill has contributed to the Titans' success despite not being the main attraction
Derrick Henry is undoubtedly the Titans' engine, but Tennessee's quarterback play has also been encouraging.
While Ryan Tannehill's season hasn't been spectacular, the veteran quarterback has played a role in the team's recent success. Tannehill has eight touchdowns and only two interceptions in his last six games.
Against the Packers on Thursday, Tennessee's signal caller was particularly effective. Not only did he find a receiver for six on two different occasions, but his 333 passing yards earned him a new season-high.
That's because Tannehill was able to hit four different pass catchers for 30+ yard gains.
Tannehill's 67.3 completion percentage since the third week of the season ranks sixth among quarterbacks who have attempted at least 100 passes. During the same time period, his quarterback rating ranks fifth in the league.
Tannehill is far from having an MVP-caliber season, but he doesn't need to be. Tennessee not only earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC during the '21 season under the 34-year-old, but the team currently holds a 7-3 record.
Tennessee's defense continues to dominate; just another reason why the team has a chance of retaking AFC
Henry and Tannehill are getting it done on their side of the ball, but there's an entire half of football they can't contribute to. Luckily, the Titans' defense has been yet another positive.
To date, Tennessee's defense has allowed the seventh-least points per game (18.5), with the 10th-lowest red zone touchdown percentage (53.6%).
The unit is also tied for the 11th-most turnovers (13), as well as the fourth-most sacks (30).
Via PFF's grading system, the Titans' defense is the fourth-highest graded of any in the league throughout the '22 season. Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons is currently the highest-graded individual on defense, earning an overall grade of 89.4.
The Chiefs, Bills, and Dolphins are all frequent nominees when discussing who will take the AFC this year, but don't count out Tennessee. They quietly held the third seed in the conference with a 7-3 record, just one season after claiming the top spot for themselves.
Can they do it again? We'll find out in the upcoming weeks.