Do the Texans have any hope of stopping Derrick Henry?

Kubena: There is little evidence to suggest the Texans will stop Henry. The 6-3, 247-pound All-Pro has logged three straight 100-yard games, and the Texans are on pace to surrender the most rushing yards in the franchise’s 21-year history (2,799). Perhaps nickel safety Tavierre Thomas can supply some support. Thomas was designated to return from the injured reserve this week, and he built a reputation as a solid tackler as a starter last season. Smith said in March “if you have 11 Tavierre Thomases, you don’t lose a game.” It’s clear how valuable Thomas is perceived. The nickel safety also is mostly responsible for defending the run along the edge of the offensive line.

This has been Houston’s weak spot. Raiders running back Josh Jacobs averaged 8.4 yards per carry off both the left edge and right edge last week, according to Pro Football Focus. Henry’s strength is running between the guards (4.73 yards per carry) and off the right tackle (5.2). That’s going to demand attention from Thomas, if he plays, and rookie linebacker Harris.

Alexander: They can slow him by playing their gaps correctly, flying to the ball, evading blocks and gang tackling. But that’s easier said than done. Henry is bigger than the Texans’ linebackers.

The Texans area allowing 164.7 yards rushing per game on the ground, which is dead last in the NFL. And they’ll face the most dangerous running back in the league in Derrick Henry, who is averaging the fourth-most rushing yards per game in the NFL (89.3). Henry has also rushed for 200 or more yards in each of the last three games against the Texans, including a 250-yard two-touchdown performance in January 2021.

I honestly haven’t seen anything either to suggest that there is hope to all of a sudden stop the run. Really, the key for the Texans may be stopping Henry on the early downs, forcing turnovers in the passing game and getting an early lead so the Titans are forced to pass the ball.

That’s how the Texans can realistically make this a game.

Karen Warren/Staff Photographer Titans running back Derrick Henry is always dangerous with the ball in his hands.