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Derrick Henry should start, just not at running back yet

By Will Lomas

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2)celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans in the second quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2)celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans in the second quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tennessee Titans drafted Derrick Henry to be a big part of their running game this year, and I believe that will happen. Even today they said that their plan is to go with the “hot hand” when running the ball.

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However, this team is clearly DeMarco Murray’s right now. Jack Conklin said as much a few days ago:

“You can really see why he did so well in Dallas. He runs hard. Watching him even, just with helmets on in OTAs, he’s always, he’s hard, and if you’re not doing something right, he’s going to get on you, and that’s exactly what you need…

You can really see why he did so well in Dallas. He runs hard. Watching him even, just with helmets on in OTAs, he’s always, he’s hard, and if you’re not doing something right, he’s going to get on you, and that’s exactly what you need.”

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    • That interview that was posted on the Tennessean’s website speaks volumes for Murray. He has completely bought into the program and he is a leader who knows what it looks like to be truly great at your job after his outstanding 2014 campaign.

    So, we can safely infer that Murray will get the bulk of the carries if all things are equal. Still, I expect the Tennessee Titans to take care of him, and give him a blow when he needs it. Derrick Henry will come in often to spell him, and they will likely find a way to get David Cobb (or whatever running back they keep) some reps too.

    In that case, how can you find a way to start him? To me it is really simple: make him your kick returner.

    Honestly, what is it that Henry does well? He is a one-cut running back that can explode through holes and run through contact with ease. His best quality though, is his speed when after the first line. He is never caught from behind despite being a massive runner.

    To me, that all screams kick returner. He is decisive enough to find a hole he likes and get north and south immediately and if he has a 15-yard head of steam before the other team’s fifth string safety tries to tackle him in the open field, who do you think will win that matchup?

    Even if he never breaks one for a long run, he is very careful with the ball and he always falls forwards. For a team that is begging for good field position this year, he would be the perfect guy for that.

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    Dexter McCluster needs to be replaced and if Henry can take his spot as a kick returner and at running back, then maybe they will use that spot on a stand out rookie or someone who can do one thing really well like Karl Klug.

    I don’t think this will happen, but it definitely should and it would make this team better across the board. The Titans need to start putting themselves in good positions rather than starting a drive in a hole. This move does that and it finds a way to put the ball in the hands of one of the best playmakers on your team from day 1.

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