NASHVILLE – The season is getting longer, and Titans running back Derrick Henry is getting stronger.
Henry, who last week became the first player in NFL history to rush for at least 180 yards in three consecutive regular season or postseason games, has recorded 30-plus carries in three straight games.
He's been a bruiser down the stretch in games, and the Titans plan to continue to ride him in the AFC Championship Game vs. the Chiefs.
"I think I get in a rhythm the more carries I get," Henry said on Thursday. "I get a better feel for the game as the game goes on."
Henry, who led the NFL in rushing in 2019, also became only the third player since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger to have 200 scrimmage yards in three consecutive games. The other two players to accomplish the feat were Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (1977) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (2014).
Henry ran for 195 yards in the team's win against the Ravens, and he also had two catches for seven yards. Henry ran for 182 yards in the team's playoff win against the Patriots, along with 22 receiving yards.
On Sunday, Henry will face a Chiefs defense that ranked 26th against the run in the regular season, allowing 128.2 yards per game. Henry ran for 188 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 10 win against the Chiefs.
"It came down to the wire," Henry said of the first meeting vs. Kansas City, a 35-32 win by the Titans. "It was a great game, a great battle. They are a great team and they have great players.
"(On defense) I think they have a good blitz package, obviously they have pass rushers. I think they are stout on the d-line, their linebackers are physical. On the back end they have experience – they are a great all-around group."
