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Titans vs. Patriots: Reasons for optimism and concern for Tennessee

By Michael Moraitis

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots walks off the field during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots walks off the field during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Titans RB, Derrick Henry.
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Nate Davis #64 of the Tennessee Titans congratulates Derrick Henry #22 after a rushing touchdown in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Optimism: A healthy Derrick Henry

We already went over just how tough the Pats’ run defense can be, however it’s not like they’re unbeatable. In Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Patriots surrendered 136 rushing yards to Joe Mixon before returning to form the last two weeks of the season.

Derrick Henry is finally healthy after battling injuries near the end of the season. He showed that in Week 17 with 211 yards, and one of his three scores against the Texans was a scamper of 53 yards. He’s also off the injury report completely for this week.

The last elite run defense the Titans faced was in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints, a team that sported a top-five run defense. Despite not having Henry in that game, Tennessee still had a solid showing on the ground, as Dion Lewis averaged 4.5 yards per carry.

Aside from Henry being an elite runner, the Titans’ offensive line has been sensational in the run game after a rough start to the season.

Henry’s production itself is important because if the Titans can keep the ball out of Brady’s hands and sustain long, time-consuming drives, it gives Tennessee an even better chance to win on Saturday.

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