After the Tennessee Titans fired Mike Vrabel and hired Brian Callahan, it was clear the team wanted to move to a more modern offense that put added emphasis on the passing game.
As a result, running back Derrick Henry wasn't a great fit any longer. Granted, he has made more than his fair share of plays in the passing game during his career, but he isn't a natural pass-catcher like Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are, which makes them better fits for the 2024 Titans.
Titans great and former running back Chris Johnson echoed those sentiments on the "Music City Audible" podcast, saying Henry "doesn't really help you in the passing game."
"Derrick Henry's departure reminded me of my own," Johnson recalled. "We changed coaches and we're not going to be run-heavy anymore. Derrick Henry doesn't really help you in the passing game."
"Derrick Henry's departure reminded me of my own. We changed coaches and we're not going to be run-heavy anymore. Derrick Henry doesn't really help you in the passing game."
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) July 14, 2024
- #Titans legendary RB Chris Johnson!
Full Pod w/ CJ2K sponsored by @SinkersBev!https://t.co/35nylv3AFQ pic.twitter.com/pfl9sAV4VA
Henry signed with the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason and figures to be a great fit in an offense that led the league in rushing attempts and yards in 2023. A combination of Henry and Lamar Jackson is sure to be a nightmare for defenses.
The Titans are expected to have a timeshare between Pollard and Spears in the first year without Henry. Both backs offer more versatility, and that will help the Titans avoid telegraphing what they're doing, which was often an issue during the Henry era.
