NFL: Is Derrick Henry the best pure runner in the league right now?

[Trap Jesus]

This guy blows me away when I watch him. It's like he's a freight train with the ball in his hands. Such a physical runner but combines it with deadly breakaway speed. He hasn't been in the most favorable position with the Titans with an inept passing game, and sharing the backfield with Murray for years before recently, but he's really taking off since the end of last year.

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[BlueDream]

Nah.

 

[Trap Jesus]

Nah.

319-1,725-18 statline in his last 16

 

[c9777666]

No. He seems to only run hard in the 2nd half.

 

[rangerssharks414]

I mean, he's finally getting unleashed, but maybe it's because the Titans have no intention on re-signing him?

 

[CDJ]

Talking strictly carries then probably

Him being a free agent is interesting. I was not aware of that

 

[stempniaksen]

I mean, he's finally getting unleashed, but maybe it's because the Titans have no intention on re-signing him?

His carries/touches aren't up considerably though. He's being "unleashed" because the Titans have a passing game now, not because he's getting run into the ground (or at least, not anymore than usual). I'd be real surprised if DH isn't the Titans main priority heading into the off-season, their whole game plan is based around setting up the run.

 

[stempniaksen]

No. He seems to only run hard in the 2nd half.

He runs hard all game, but he absolutely wears down defenses and ends up performing better in the 2nd half because the D is exhausted.

 

[tony d]

He's having a very good year but not sure he's the best pure runner in the league.

 

[Trap Jesus]

Absolutely insane

 

[Captain Bowie]

I would say the most physical and hardest to tackle one on one in that sense.

 

[Unholy Diver]

overall I'd say Lamar Jackson, but from a power rb standpoint Henry is tops

 

[tacogeoff]

I agree as a poweback he is ridiculous fast and can cut like a small elusive back. Been following him since college and he just keeps getting better. After this season he is easily in the top 5 discussion for me.

 

[AvroArrow]

Probably the strongest at his position given his size, the guys like a 6'6 running back. But i still take guys like Zeke, Cmac, Cook, even Aaron Jones over him. Overall and as a pure runner. Henry is slow as HELL but the guys a tank.

 

[tacogeoff]

Slow? He ran the 40 in 4.54 seconds. Cook 4.49 Elliot was 4.47 mcaff 4.49 and A jones at 4.54. He is plenty fast. May look slower due to size as his strides are long.

 

[DangleCity]

Currently he is, but the title changes season to season

 

[Habsawce]

I know it isn't the question, but I'd take Karama over him. In today's game, having a dynamic back that can run routes and catch out of the backfield is more valuable. It changes the dynamics of your offense way more than lining up in I formation and playing smashmouth football. Although this has been a nice throwback to watch unfold and I've been enjoying it.

 

[Trap Jesus]

I know it isn't the question, but I'd take Karama over him. In today's game, having a dynamic back that can run routes and catch out of the backfield is more valuable. It changes the dynamics of your offense way more than lining up in I formation and playing smashmouth football. Although this has been a nice throwback to watch unfold and I've been enjoying it.

It can still be just as effective overall even if a dual-threat back is more dynamic and versatile. Having a smashmouth back like Henry makes it so much easier to open up legitimate opportunities downfield off of play-action.

 

[Harry Kakalovich]

I find he's the best second-half of the season RB which is good for the playoffs.

 

[Habsawce]

It can still be just as effective overall even if a dual-threat back is more dynamic and versatile. Having a smashmouth back like Henry makes it so much easier to open up legitimate opportunities downfield off of play-action.

As a KC fan I'm imagining Henry there and how much he would open up things for Mahomes. Now I miss Kareem Hunt. Thanks a lot.

 

[Trap Jesus]

He has the 7th most yards in a single postseason after only 2 games at 377 yards, which is the most this century. Have to figure he'll climb to 3 after the AFC Championship game.

1	John Riggins+ (33)	610	1982	WAS
2	Terrell Davis+ (24)	581	1997	DEN
3	Terrell Davis+ (25)	468	1998	DEN
4	Marcus Allen+ (23)	466	1983	RAI
5	Eddie George (25)	449	1999	TEN
6	Thurman Thomas+ (24)	390	1990	BUF

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

 

[kanuck87]

He's incredible. He looks like he's running in slow-motion, but he just keeps breaking away from defenders. How a guy that big can be that fast is beyond me.

 

[Hockeyholic]

As a KC fan I'm imagining Henry there and how much he would open up things for Mahomes. Now I miss Kareem Hunt. Thanks a lot.

Chiefs win the SB if they don't cut Hunt last year imo. No run game killed them in the end.

 

[Hockeyholic]

Probably the strongest at his position given his size, the guys like a 6'6 running back. But i still take guys like Zeke, Cmac, Cook, even Aaron Jones over him. Overall and as a pure runner. Henry is slow as HELL but the guys a tank.

Give me a break. Come on lol. Is this serious?

 

[GKJ]

Right now he’s the best player in the league.