Ravens DC compares Titans RB Derrick Henry to Madden created player
Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale compared Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry to a character someone would create on the Madden video game.
If you were to create a running back in the video game Madden NFL 20, he’d probably be a lot like Tennessee Titans running back, Derrick Henry.
The Alabama product has ridiculous physical attributes.
Not only is he a hulking 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds with the meanest stiff arm in the NFL and the ability to run over any defender, Henry also has great breakaway speed that makes him a threat to make house calls from anywhere on the field.
He’d be the equivalent to a Madden created player with 90-plus speed and 99 break tackle and stiff arm.
And, after winning the rushing title and lighting the New England Patriots up for 182 yards and a touchdown in the Wild Card game, Henry has rightfully garnered plenty of attention for just how good he is.
One of the people who has taken notice is Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale, who says Henry is like one of those super players you’d create Madden, per John Glennon of The Athletic.
"“He’s like one of those guys the kids create on Madden. You shouldn’t be that big and be able to run like he runs. Obviously, we’re going to have to bring our lunch pail, work (hard) and just go play football with him.”"
Martindale also offered praise for wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Martindale called AJ Brown a “young Anquan Boldin.”
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) January 8, 2020
When the Ravens meet the Titans in the divisional round on Saturday night, stopping Henry will be at the very top of Baltimore’s list on defense. In fact, Ravens safety Earl Thomas has already made it clear that’s what the defense plans to do.
Earl Thomas: “If Tannehill tries to pass on us, I don’t think that will go in their favor.” Said Ravens need to stop run first.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) January 7, 2020
Trying to bring Henry down is difficult enough, but it becomes even more of a problem when you consider how good the Titans’ offensive line has been in blocking for the run game. Once Henry has a lane and gets his feet going, he’s a bad, bad man.
Adding to that, the threat Henry presents opens up the play action passing game for quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Co., which can often lead to big plays and was a reason this offense was so explosive in the second half of the season.
If Tennessee can get Derrick Henry going on Saturday night, it could be quite the offensive showdown at M&T Bank Stadium.