Fansided

Derrick Henry ready to build on last season’s success with the Titans

By Jasmyn Wimbish

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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After rushing for over a 1,000 yards last season, Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is ready to build on his third-year success in the NFL.

In his first two years in the league Derrick Henry was scarcely used by the Titans, only starting in four games, and totaling a combined 1,234 rushing yards. But Henry’s third season, his breakout season if you will, skyrocketed him to become not only a productive back in the league, but consistent as well.

That consistency and production speaks to Henry’s competitive fire and always wanting to improve, which he says was something that he was just born with.

“I just always loved being competitive since I was a little kid,” Henry said. “Whether it was a pickup game or playing video games I always wanted to keep playing until I could beat you. I took losing very badly.”

Losing is something that Henry, who in partnering with FedEx helped announce a $10,000 donation to the USO on behalf of the 2019 NFL Draft class, has not been accustomed to since his playing days at Alabama. Through his three years as a member of the Crimson Tide Henry only lost three games, and won a national championship before he declared for the NFL draft.

Even as a member of the Titans Henry has not been part of a losing team, with Tennessee going 9-7 in each of Henry’s first three seasons in the league. Last season however, setup Henry to have an even more productive 2019 season with the success he had in the backfield. But that’s not what he’s thinking about right now.

“I’m not really looking much into it, right now I’m just trying to focus on building team chemistry and how we can get better as a team,” Henry said. “We were just one game away from the playoffs, and my success I credit that to the team.”

Building team chemistry will be very important for this young Titans team addressed several important needs through the 2019 NFL Draft. If Henry can build on his success from the 2018 season, and Marcus Mariota can build chemistry with his receivers the Titans should be primed to make a postseason appearance again.

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