How the Tennessee Titans can bounce back vs the Chicago Bears

Stick To Who You Are

But of course, as they always do, the Titans’ success on offense will be dictated by Derrick Henry’s impact on the game.

Chicago, while not an elite run-stopping team like a few of the Titans earlier opponents, is still a strong group that can keep elite NFL running games from getting going. Henry is starting to pick up steam once again after a slow start to the season, but he’ll have a tough test ahead of him with the Bears.

But the Titans can’t forget who they are, no matter the situation. Ryan Tannehill is playing at an elite level, but he, along with the Titans offense, operate the smoothest and most effective when they keep the ball on the ground– and choose the right moments to pass, rather than forcing those moments.

Tennessee ended up getting away from what works in the game against the Bengals, holding Henry well below his average for carries despite one of his most efficient games of the season coming in that Week 8 loss. The results showed on the field as well. In two of the Titans three touchdown drives, the team called designed runs on more than half their plays. In the five drives, they had that ended without points, only once did the Titans call 50% or more of their plays as designed runs.

Obviously, the game script is situational. If Tennessee finds themselves down by four touchdowns late in the second half, then fine, give the keys to Tannehill and let him turn it loose. But for the Titans to win, this week and going forward, it has to start with a heavy dose of Henry.