WHEN THEY RUN
WHEN THE TITANS RUN
Derrick Henry returns after missing a game because of a hamstring injury. He’s the best big back in the NFL, using his 6-3, 247 pounds to wear down defenses between the tackles, but he’s also excellent at bouncing outside and using the league’s meanest stiff-arm to break tackles for long runs. He has 1,329 yards, a 4.9-yard average per carry and 13 touchdowns. In the first game against the Texans, Henry had a 23-yard run and finished with 86 on 21 carries. He’s also a dangerous receiver with 18 catches, an 11.4-yard average and two touchdowns. Henry is the reason the Titans are sixth in rushing (131.9 yards) and third in yards per play (4.87). The Texans have dropped from third to 20th against the run (112.8). Dion Lewis has contributed 202 yards off the bench. He’s a terrific receiver out the backfield who’s shifty and elusive. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill runs when he has to. He’s added 165 yards and four touchdowns ,so the Texans have to beware of him taking off.
Rushing yards per game (NFL rank) TEN OFF 131.9 (6th)
HOU DEF 112.8 (20th)
WHEN THE TEXANS RUN
In the victory at Tampa Bay, the running game was shut down by the league’s top-ranked run defense. The Texans were limited to 68 yards, including 2.6 a carry. They’ve plummeted to 10th in rushing (126.7). The Titans are tied for 11th against the run (104.2), including eighth in average per carry (4.01). Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson had nowhere to run against Tampa Bay. Hyde had 27 yards and Johnson 4. Deshaun Watson was the leading rusher with 37 yards. The linemen have to do a better job of run blocking and avoid getting stuffed again. Hyde and Johnson need room. The Titans have a strong front seven led by veteran defensive tackle Jurrell Casey. Inside linebackers Rashaan Evans and Jayon Brown are solid against the run. Cornerback Logan Ryan leads the team with 109 tackles, followed by Evans (106) and Brown (102). When Bill O’Brien calls plays, he can’t continue to run Hyde on first down and watch him keep getting stuffed, as was the case against the Buccaneers. O’Brien has to call some pass plays on first down, even if they’re for 3 or 4 yards. He has to keep the Titans off-balance.
Rushing yards per game (NFL rank) HOU OFF 126.7 (10th)
TEN DEF 104.2 (T-11th)