Game Plan vs. Titans: Stopping Derrick Henry

[IgotBILLStopay]

Most RBs fit a physical profile - small 5-9 to 5-11 and tip the scales at a muscular 215 lbs. But Derrick Henry does not fit that mould - he is a legit 6-3 and about 250 lbs. That size doesnt make him slow however. I read somewhere that he gets to 21 mph (typically an elite RB speed) by the time he gets to his 4th step. And each step of his covers 7.5 ft (2,5 yeards) - which means he covers 10 yards in 4 steps. Derrick Henry in modern football is what Usain Bolt is to track - a physical anomaly.

 

The guy had 370+ yards in consecutive games during the 2019-20 playoffs, something no one else had done. And he likes contact - it is what sets him off. Oh and did I forget to mention that he has the endurance of an Alaskan Husky. At Alabama, he would get his most carries in the 4th quarter since he was never gassed. Even in the NFL, he is the back with the best third and fourth quarter stats. Quite simply, HE IS the engine that drives the Titans.

 

Fortunately, unlike track, football is a team sport and good teams have  managed to stop the Titans by stopping Henry. But, without Lotuleilei, it will not be easy. Also, the conditioning of our defenders the first few games has been suspect. They were so gassed against the Rams in the second half. Our run defense has been gashed a lot this season though the second half against Jacobs (oh he is a typical 5-10 220 lb back) and the Raiders was sublime. I rewatched the Chiefs limit Henry to 69 yards in the Conference Championship game and here are some lessons from that.

 

1. We may have to play the traditional 4-3-4 instead of our preferred 4-2-5. No way Taron Johnson can handle a guy Henry's size.

2. Frazier's first pet phrase: Gap Integrity - you have to stay disciplined - cant bite on fakes and leave your running lane open. While one defender can rarely take down Henry,  you slow him down till the help gets there

3. Frazier's second pet phrase: Tackling - The Chiefs made a conscious attempt to tackle him low below the waist. You cant just bring Henry down by wrapping the arms around his upper torso since he is big and strong and his legs keep on churning. 

4. Dont worry about giving up  a few big pass plays - With Humphries and Davis out even those will be few. But trust the secondary to do their job. After all, this is Tannehill throwing the ball.

5.Last, but not the least, the best defense is a potent offense - run up the score early so that the Titans are forced to go to the air in the second half when Henry is at his strongest. The Chiefs limited Henry to maybe 5 touches and 7 yards in the second half since the Titans had to play catchup.

 

Here is my prediction: Henry gets 150+ yards, we lose. He gets less than 100 yards, we win. Somewhere in the middle, we got ourselves a game.

 

 

[formerlyofCtown]

3 minutes ago, IgotBILLStopay said:

Most RBs fit a physical profile - small 5-9 to 5-11 and tip the scales at a muscular 215 lbs. But Derrick Henry does not fit that mould - he is a legit 6-3 and about 250 lbs. That size doesnt make him slow however. I read somewhere that he gets to 21 mph (typically an elite RB speed) by the time he gets to his 4th step. And each step of his covers 7.5 ft (2,5 yeards) - which means he covers 10 yards in 4 steps. Derrick Henry in modern football is what Usain Bolt is to track - a physical anomaly.

 

The guy had 370+ yards in consecutive games during the 2019-20 playoffs, something no one else had done. And he likes contact - it is what sets him off. Oh and did I forget to mention that he has the endurance of an Alaskan Husky. At Alabama, he would get his most carries in the 4th quarter since he was never gassed. Even in the NFL, he is the back with the best third and fourth quarter stats. Quite simply, HE IS the engine that drives the Titans.

 

Fortunately, unlike track, football is a team sport and good teams have  managed to stop the Titans by stopping Henry. But, without Lotuleilei, it will not be easy. Also, the conditioning of our defenders the first few games has been suspect. They were so gassed against the Rams in the second half. Our run defense has been gashed a lot this season though the second half against Jacobs (oh he is a typical 5-10 220 lb back) and the Raiders was sublime. I rewatched the Chiefs limit Henry to 69 yards in the Conference Championship game and here are some lessons from that.

 

1. We may have to play the traditional 4-3-4 instead of our preferred 4-2-5. No way Taron Johnson can handle a guy Henry's size.

2. Frazier's first pet phrase: Gap Integrity - you have to stay disciplined - cant bite on fakes and leave your running lane open. While one defender can rarely take down Henry,  you slow him down till the help gets there

3. Frazier's second pet phrase: Tackling - The Chiefs made a conscious attempt to tackle him low below the waist. You cant just bring Henry down by wrapping the arms around his upper torso since he is big and strong and his legs keep on churning. 

4. Dont worry about giving up  a few big pass plays - With Humphries and Davis out even those will be few. But trust the secondary to do their job. After all, this is Tannehill throwing the ball.

5.Last, but not the least, the best defense is a potent offense - run up the score early so that the Titans are forced to go to the air in the second half when Henry is at his strongest. The Chiefs limited Henry to maybe 5 touches and 7 yards in the second half since the Titans had to play catchup.

 

Here is my prediction: Henry gets 150+ yards, we lose. He gets less than 100 yards, we win. Somewhere in the middle, we got ourselves a game.

 

 

My prediction is we score more points we win.  We score less points we lose.  Regardless of how many yards he rushes for.

[IgotBILLStopay]

2 minutes ago, formerlyofCtown said:

My prediction is we score more points we win.  We score less points we lose.  Regardless of how many yards he rushes for.

 

You sir are a candidate to be our resident Yogi Berra

 

 

 

[BuffaloBillies]

 

Reminder: tackling by pulling hair is LEGAL.

 

 

Edited October 12, 2020 by BuffaloBillies

[BuffaloMatt]

Early lead keeps QB not RB in play. They have lead more apt to run. Score often and early wins game. 

[formerlyofCtown]

2 minutes ago, BuffaloBillies said:

 

Reminder: tackling by pulling hair is LEGAL.

 

 

I thought you posted a pic of you toilet for a minute.

[appoo]

Score early and often, and get Tannehill throwing on 1st down

[Captain_Quint]

This is one of those games where we have to come out early and score. Make Tannehill be the one to beat us and make him do it through the air. I fully expect them to run it early and use play action just like the Rams did. If we can stop the initial onslaught of Henry, the game turns in our favor. If he starts off gashing us early, it's going to be a long game. Plenty of play action, plenty of chances to shut him down early and control the game. 

 

I just hope they come out playing man to man so we can unleash 'Allen to Diggs' and make them change up how they want to defend us. 

Edited October 12, 2020 by Captain_Quint

[marky]

Awful Bills have to play this game. Anyone think no one is going to get sick? Yet no one tests positive.

And anyone think some other team, like LA, or Seattle, or NE or KC or Pitt will get a win, a week off, a bye, and their conference opponent forfeiting for the first time in NFL history? It will probably be against us, because the league forced the Bills to play against Tannenhill's airborne infection.

[1ManRaid]

20 minutes ago, BuffaloBillies said:

 

Reminder: tackling by pulling hair is LEGAL.

 

 

 

With our luck, we'll get called for a bogus horse collar tackle.  But seriously, what the hell is that thing?  It looks like a dried rhino turd electrical taped to the back of his head.

[ALLEN1QB]

Crap I forgot about him.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

7 minutes ago, 1ManRaid said:

With our luck, we'll get called for a bogus horse collar tackle.  But seriously, what the hell is that thing?  It looks like a dried rhino turd electrical taped to the back of his head.

 

Just curious as to how you're familiar with the appearance of rhino turds?

 

If I were a player with long hair, I would for reals grease it.  Anyone know if that's legal?

[Warcodered]

So the same plan as the last two years then?

[Fr. Jerk]

40 minutes ago, formerlyofCtown said:

My prediction is we score more points we win.  We score less points we lose.  Regardless of how many yards he rushes for.

 

 

[Ralonzo]

38 minutes ago, BuffaloBillies said:

 

Reminder: tackling by pulling hair is LEGAL.

 

 

That's hair? I thought being Tennesee he was just paying tribute to Davey Crockett.

 

Edited October 12, 2020 by Ralonzo

[1ManRaid]

3 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Just curious as to how you're familiar with the appearance of rhino turds?

 

If I were a player with long hair, I would for reals grease it.  Anyone know if that's legal?

 

Initial instinct was to say elephant turd, but I've seen those at African Lion Safari in Southern Ontario.  Rhino was just my best guess, but on second thought it is probably similar to elephant.  

 

I would wager it is probably legal to grease your hair, but would probably be impossible to wash out of a knotted mess like his.

[IgotBILLStopay]

38 minutes ago, BuffaloMatt said:

Early lead keeps QB not RB in play. They have lead more apt to run. Score often and early wins game. 

 

27 minutes ago, Captain_Quint said:

This is one of those games where we have to come out early and score. Make Tannehill be the one to beat us and make him do it through the air.

 

Yup. That is point #5 above. The more Allen & co. run up the score the less we will see of Henry.

[RiotAct]

24 minutes ago, 1ManRaid said:

 

With our luck, we'll get called for a bogus horse collar tackle.  But seriously, what the hell is that thing?  It looks like a dried rhino turd electrical taped to the back of his head.

I think it’s a mask for his ponytail.  He doesn’t want it to catch the ‘vid.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, IgotBILLStopay said:

Most RBs fit a physical profile - small 5-9 to 5-11 and tip the scales at a muscular 215 lbs. But Derrick Henry does not fit that mould - he is a legit 6-3 and about 250 lbs. That size doesnt make him slow however. I read somewhere that he gets to 21 mph (typically an elite RB speed) by the time he gets to his 4th step. And each step of his covers 7.5 ft (2,5 yeards) - which means he covers 10 yards in 4 steps. Derrick Henry in modern football is what Usain Bolt is to track - a physical anomaly.

 

The guy had 370+ yards in consecutive games during the 2019-20 playoffs, something no one else had done. And he likes contact - it is what sets him off. Oh and did I forget to mention that he has the endurance of an Alaskan Husky. At Alabama, he would get his most carries in the 4th quarter since he was never gassed. Even in the NFL, he is the back with the best third and fourth quarter stats. Quite simply, HE IS the engine that drives the Titans.

 

Fortunately, unlike track, football is a team sport and good teams have  managed to stop the Titans by stopping Henry. But, without Lotuleilei, it will not be easy. Also, the conditioning of our defenders the first few games has been suspect. They were so gassed against the Rams in the second half. Our run defense has been gashed a lot this season though the second half against Jacobs (oh he is a typical 5-10 220 lb back) and the Raiders was sublime. I rewatched the Chiefs limit Henry to 69 yards in the Conference Championship game and here are some lessons from that.

 

1. We may have to play the traditional 4-3-4 instead of our preferred 4-2-5. No way Taron Johnson can handle a guy Henry's size.

2. Frazier's first pet phrase: Gap Integrity - you have to stay disciplined - cant bite on fakes and leave your running lane open. While one defender can rarely take down Henry,  you slow him down till the help gets there

3. Frazier's second pet phrase: Tackling - The Chiefs made a conscious attempt to tackle him low below the waist. You cant just bring Henry down by wrapping the arms around his upper torso since he is big and strong and his legs keep on churning. 

4. Dont worry about giving up  a few big pass plays - With Humphries and Davis out even those will be few. But trust the secondary to do their job. After all, this is Tannehill throwing the ball.

5.Last, but not the least, the best defense is a potent offense - run up the score early so that the Titans are forced to go to the air in the second half when Henry is at his strongest. The Chiefs limited Henry to maybe 5 touches and 7 yards in the second half since the Titans had to play catchup.

 

Here is my prediction: Henry gets 150+ yards, we lose. He gets less than 100 yards, we win. Somewhere in the middle, we got ourselves a game.

 

Henry has gotten 116, 84, and 119 rush yards respectively in the Titans 3 wins.

 

That's against the #8, #25, and #28 rushing defenses.

 

Bills, believe it or don't, are #4 currently. 

 

To give up anything close to 150 yds, 42% more than Henry's 106 ypg average, would be a massive failure by our defense and with an average of 106 ypg, the Titans do have 3 wins.

 

The Titans trail the league in passing yardage, with Davis as their #1 receiver so far and their TE Smith as #2.  Davis and Humphries are currently on the covid-19 reserve list.  If they get AJ Brown back, that would presumably fill that gap at WR.  But they still have Smith at TE regardless.

 

With both Edmunds and Milano out, the Bills showed susceptibility to play-action passes over the middle of the field, with TE Gesiki racking up 130 yds.  IMHO that's the real weak point the Titans will plan to test with Milano out and Edmunds apparently still hampered.  If Dodson replaces Milano (and that seems to be the idea given he came in for Matt), Edmunds needs to have a gap-sound game against the run.  I hope he's power-watching tape.

 

Joe B has a pretty good analysis in the Athletic, though that faithless hound is picking the Titans to win.  I hope the Bills find it motivational that even our local sports writers are picking against them.

[DCofNC]

4 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Henry has gotten 116, 84, and 119 rush yards respectively in the Titans 3 wins.

 

That's against the #8, #25, and #28 rushing defenses.

 

Bills, believe it or don't, are #4 currently. 

 

To give up anything close to 150 yds, 42% more than Henry's 106 ypg average, would be a massive failure by our defense.

The Titans trail the league in passing yardage, with Davis as their #1 receiver so far and their TE Smith as #2.  Davis and Humphries are currently on the covid-19 reserve list.

If they get AJ Brown back, that would presumably fill that gap.  But they still have smith

 

With both Edmunds and Milano out, the Bills showed susceptibility to play-action passes over the middle of the field, with TE Gesiki racking up 130 yds.  IMHO that's the real weak point the Titans will plan to test with Milano out and Edmunds apparently still hampered.  If Dodson replaces Milano (and that seems to be the idea given he came in for Matt), Edmunds needs to have a gap-sound game against the run.  I hope he's power-watching tape.

 

Joe B has a pretty good analysis in the Athletic, though that faithless hound is picking the Titans to win.  I hope the Bills find it motivational that even our local sports writers are picking against them.

Yeah, but he can slap 2 big runs in there and hit 200+ easily. What we don’t want is a grinding, hammer us for 5ypc, 30x, they will bury us then. 

[TBBills]

It really won't be a problem, the Bills are going to destroy the Titans. It won't even be close.

[JohnNord]

The Bills did a solid job in the second half once they settled on a rotation with Oliver and Phillips and then Butler and Jefferson.  Josh Jacobs who is regarded as a top RB, along with Henry, didn’t do much damage and even was stuffed by Eddie on 4th-and-1.  

 

As far as Henry’s effectiveness, it will come down to the Bills DL winning vs.  Tennessee.  
 

The danger that I see are on 2nd-or-short and 3rd-and-short situations Tennessee can dictate our 4-3 defensive personnel, meaning AJ Klein will be on the field to defend the TE’s.  He was badly abused by Fitzpatrick in Miami, bit on play action, and failed to recover.  I can see that as a huge opportunity for Tennessee to use PA, get the ball to Smith or Brown in the open field for a big gain.

 

Huge task for our DL tomorrow 

[Kwai San]

57 minutes ago, 1ManRaid said:

 

Initial instinct was to say elephant turd, but I've seen those at African Lion Safari in Southern Ontario.  Rhino was just my best guess, but on second thought it is probably similar to elephant.  

 

I would wager it is probably legal to grease your hair, but would probably be impossible to wash out of a knotted mess like his.

 

WD40.....Bills seriously need to stack box and force Tanny to throw and get an interception or two.

[Protocal69]

Henry Production Last 2 meeting vs the BILLS

 

2019

att  yrd  avg   lg   td

20

78

3.90

24

1

2018

11

56

5.09

14

0

 

 

Bills have done a good job against Henry in prior meetings

 

As long as the Bills defenders stay in their gaps they should be fine.

 

BTW I personally think that Henry is more dangerous late in the year and in Jan due to team fatigue where tackling someone like Henry is much more harder especially in the cold

[formerlyofCtown]

1 hour ago, The Jerk said:

 

 

I don't know why but that made LMAO.

[RiotAct]

1 hour ago, Protocal69 said:

Henry Production Last 2 meeting vs the BILLS

 

2019

att  yrd  avg   lg   td

20

78

3.90

24

1

2018

11

56

5.09

14

0

 

 

Bills have done a good job against Henry in prior meetings

 

As long as the Bills defenders stay in their gaps they should be fine.

 

BTW I personally think that Henry is more dangerous late in the year and in Jan due to team fatigue where tackling someone like Henry is much more harder especially in the cold

why did Henry not get more carries in that 2018 game I wonder?  I was there... it was an old-fashioned slobberknocker.

[RyanC883]

this might be a game where Edmunds height is not an issue.  Generally I think he is too tall for MLB because he is constantly beat by  backs at the point of contact.  

2 hours ago, Protocal69 said:

Henry Production Last 2 meeting vs the BILLS

 

2019

att  yrd  avg   lg   td

20

78

3.90

24

1

2018

11

56

5.09

14

0

 

 

Bills have done a good job against Henry in prior meetings

 

As long as the Bills defenders stay in their gaps they should be fine.

 

BTW I personally think that Henry is more dangerous late in the year and in Jan due to team fatigue where tackling someone like Henry is much more harder especially in the cold

 

good point about staying in the gaps.  !

[Protocal69]

23 minutes ago, RiotAct said:

why did Henry not get more carries in that 2018 game I wonder?  I was there... it was an old-fashioned slobberknocker.

It’s funny cause I noticed that to because of the per carry average was good. I’m going to  watch that game tonight on gamepass

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Agree they should play a base 4-3.  Their RBs and TEs are not a threat in the passing game.  Big running backs are best stopped before they get going. Run blitz with our safeties and expect White ands Norman to hold up on the back end.  Then penetrate into the backfield.  Oliver needs to be active penetrating and create havoc in the backfield.  

As others said, get a lead early and hope they abandon the run game

[Buddo]

I can believe the stat about us being #4 against the run.

 

Trouble is, we haven't actually been that good.

 

The reality is that much like the generally preferred approach to dealing with it in this thread at least, we have limited runs against us, by getting good leads, and forcing the opposition to throw.

 

If ever there was a case about stats lying, we have it with that one. I doubt there's any Bills fan who would say that we are currently, a good D against the run.

[gobills404]

3 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Henry has gotten 116, 84, and 119 rush yards respectively in the Titans 3 wins.

 

That's against the #8, #25, and #28 rushing defenses.

 

Bills, believe it or don't, are #4 currently. 

Not to be picky, but we're only 4th in rushing yards allowed because we've only played 4 games. We're 8th in yards per game allowed and 16th in yards per carry allowed. I'm still not too worried about Henry regardless.

@Buddo

Edited October 12, 2020 by gobills404

[billsfan89]

The Bills shut down Jacobs last week for the most part. Henry is a different beast all together. Hopefully the Bills can limit him and not let him grind the ball 25 plus times for 125 or more yards.

[WideNine]

4 hours ago, Captain_Quint said:

This is one of those games where we have to come out early and score. Make Tannehill be the one to beat us and make him do it through the air. I fully expect them to run it early and use play action just like the Rams did. If we can stop the initial onslaught of Henry, the game turns in our favor. If he starts off gashing us early, it's going to be a long game. Plenty of play action, plenty of chances to shut him down early and control the game. 

 

I just hope they come out playing man to man so we can unleash 'Allen to Diggs' and make them change up how they want to defend us. 

 

Most teams have given the Bills the ball in the first half, preferring to start the 2nd half with the ball as our half time adjustments have been suspect.

 

Curious to see if that trend holds as Allen and Daboll have been money in those early possessions.

 

 

[Dablitzkrieg]

4 hours ago, Captain_Quint said:

This is one of those games where we have to come out early and score. Make Tannehill be the one to beat us and make him do it through the air. I fully expect them to run it early and use play action just like the Rams did. If we can stop the initial onslaught of Henry, the game turns in our favor. If he starts off gashing us early, it's going to be a long game. Plenty of play action, plenty of chances to shut him down early and control the game. 

 

I just hope they come out playing man to man so we can unleash 'Allen to Diggs' and make them change up how they want to defend us. 

Buffalo has scored early in every game this year.  Tomorrow will be no different.  It is a horrible matchup for the Titan defense

[Real McClappy]

29 minutes ago, Buddo said:

I can believe the stat about us being #4 against the run.

 

Trouble is, we haven't actually been that good.

 

The reality is that much like the generally preferred approach to dealing with it in this thread at least, we have limited runs against us, by getting good leads, and forcing the opposition to throw.

 

If ever there was a case about stats lying, we have it with that one. I doubt there's any Bills fan who would say that we are currently, a good D against the run.

Here are the following total rushing yards:

 

Jets - 52 yds on 15 runs - 3.5 yds per carry

Dolphins - 99 yds on 22 runs - 4.5 yds per carry

Rams - 167 yds on 32 runs - 5.2 yds per carry

Raiders - 87 yds on 23 runs - 3.8 yds per carry 

 

Bills have done ok. I'd like to see the average below 4yds a carry every game. 

[ICanSleepWhenI'mDead]

Henry is fast, but I don't think anybody gets to 21 mph by their 4th step.

[BUFFALOKIE]

5 hours ago, BuffaloBillies said:

 

Reminder: tackling by pulling hair is LEGAL.

 

 

Is that a piece of corn I see?

[Buddo]

20 minutes ago, Real McNasty said:

Here are the following total rushing yards:

 

Jets - 52 yds on 15 runs - 3.5 yds per carry                   35 Passing Attempts

Dolphins - 99 yds on 22 runs - 4.5 yds per carry           47 Passing Attempts

Rams - 167 yds on 32 runs - 5.2 yds per carry              32 Passing Attempts

Raiders - 87 yds on 23 runs - 3.8 yds per carry             44 Passing Attempts

 

Bills have done ok. I'd like to see the average below 4yds a carry every game. 

 

See the numbers in italics. The only team to actually commit to the run, were the Rams, and look how they did. The Rams aside, all of the other teams passed, because they felt they had to, to try and stay in the game.

[thronethinker]

Game plan should be as last 4 weeks. Score fast and often. Make them com from behind to win. 

[Motor26]

3 minutes ago, Buddo said:

 

See the numbers in italics. The only team to actually commit to the run, were the Rams, and look how they did. The Rams aside, all of the other teams passed, because they felt they had to, to try and stay in the game.

Rams PA passing killed the Bills that game. They were also gifted a short field on the phantom interception. Then once they were within striking distance they were able to run the ball and got the lead for a short time.