Titan Sized
FanSided

Tennessee Titans: New York Giants Saquon Barkley praises Derrick Henry

By Michael Moraitis

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 30: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on December 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 30: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on December 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley heaped praise on Tennessee Titans running back, Derrick Henry.

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry drew some serious praise from New York Giants running back, Saquon Barkley.

Henry’s 2018 season was honored on Monday night with his making the NFL Top 100 players of 2019 list, as the Alabama product made the cut at No. 99.

In his tribute video for the top 100 list, Henry received praise from Barkley, who broke down exactly what makes the 25-year-old a special back.

“He’s a big back, and he has the speed. I think a lot of people don’t talk about his speed,” Barkley said. “You give him a chance, obviously like he showed on the 99-yard touchdown run, you give him a chance, it could be lights out.”

Barkley also mentioned the legendary second half of the season Henry enjoyed, which included a four-week run that saw him total 585 yards and seven touchdowns. Thrown into that stretch was a record-tying 99-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14.

“Derrick Henry went crazy, especially in the second half of the season,” Barkley continued. “And showed, like, all of his attributes as a running back—his vision, his strength, and his speed.”

That’s high praise coming from Barkley, who is one of the best running backs in the league after a rookie season in which he totaled over 2,000 total yards for the Giants.

Tennessee Titans running back, Derrick Henry.
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 6: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs downfield with the ball for a 99 yard touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on December 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Per Pro Football Focus, Henry graded out as the best running back in the NFL in the second half of 2018.

In total, Henry finished with his first 1,000-yard season, to go along with 12 rushing touchdowns. Just imagine what he could’ve accomplished if he didn’t have a large portion of carries during the season eaten up by fellow back, Dion Lewis.

It’s nice to see the recognition Henry is getting because he has all the makings of a special player. Henry is a bruising back with breakaway speed and is a threat to take it to the house on every run.

After his breakout end to last season, Henry should get much more work in 2019. He’s also in a contract year, so the Titans need to find out just what he can do in a workhorse role.

When it’s all said and done, Henry and Barkley could be neck-and-neck for a rushing title this season.

Home/Titans News