Titans Running Back Craziness. Titans tragically lose Star RB Derrick Henry 6-10 weeks, team signs HOF RB Adrian Peterson
It has been a WILD morning as a Titans fan. So much has happened in 24-ish hours.
The Titans defeat the Colts, and take control of the division, everything is rainbows and sunshine, until it's reported this morning that Derrick Henry has a pretty significant injury. Hopefully he heals well. I've been hearing that he's expected to miss 6-10 weeks. Yikes.
Prayers up for King Henry!
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A lot of Titans fans have been losing their minds. It does stink to see him go. Derrick Henry is an MVP candidate. His numbers at times are mind boggling. Talent like his cannot at all be replaced. I know he wants to set records and I am a huge Derrick fan too. But as a Titans fan myself, I believe in this team and the depth of the running backs. This team has been tested and been through a lot already, I think there's easily still enough talent and coaching to be competitive.
Then in the same day of all this madness, Jon Robinson pulls a pretty clutch move and picks up future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson. As a running back fan in general I'm HYPE this man will be wearing a Titans jersey. Adrian Peterson is amazing. Simply a great back with a one of a kind career. In 2021, he's pretty 'old' for a back. Some might say really old. But this man is really built different. Adrian Peterson at 36, really does not sound that bad to me. He has shown up until 2020 he's a competent back. Many of his skills have degraded with age, but I mean, we are talking Adrian Peterson. A decline in skill with Adrian Peterson when comparing his present self to him in his prime, still means you've got a really solid back. The main skill that is most obvious is his real lack of breakaway speed. He's still got surprising quickness, and good strength. His skills of a lifetime as a running back are still there. He's got savviness, vision, instincts. Pure experience.
Peterson with the Detroit Lions in 2020.
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To remind everyone, and for those who don't know, this is a taste of AP's NFL career, 2007-Present:
- 14,820 Career Rushing Yards, 5th Most in NFL History
- 118 Rushing Touchdowns, 4th Most in NFL History
- 2012 NFL MVP
- 4x First Team All-Pro
- 3x Second Team All-Pro
- Member of 2010s All-Decade Team
This guy has amazing stats. It's going to be cool to see AP add to those stats in a Titans uniform.
Derrick was easily getting 95 percent of the carries on the team. If AP can take 60-75 percent of them and use some of the other backs on the team more, I believe this could work for the Titans. Another thing about AP that is very much Titan-like is his size. AP is a big physical runner, similar to King Henry. Hopefully that similarity will be beneficial for the offense.
Adding a legit legend on the Titans is huge too. Along with Julio. AP's a real football dude. His presence and knowledge can be really beneficial to everyone on the team.
A possible amazing scenario waiting to happen....
This thought crossed my mind with this RB fiasco. AP has everything you could want in a career. Except a Super Bowl. AP has fresh legs, entering mid-season. He's joining a 6-2, #1 seed AFC team.
Despite what people may say about his age, you don't think that AP will be motivated to contribute to a Super Bowl? Imagine the amazing story that would be!
But wait there's more to this beautiful day dream...
What if King Henry does come back late this season? What if King Henry, the current best running back in football, and Adrian Peterson, one of the greatest running backs of all time, absolutely thrash the NFL in the playoffs on their way to s Super Bowl Championship? Young great RB, with older vet GOAT.
A man can dream ok! LOL.
But seriously, I believe this is a nice signing, and if the team stays focused, and the the coaches coach their best games managing life without King Henry this team can still be dangerous.
I'm hella nervous of course. I don't expect things to be the same, but I wouldn't doubt this team either.
Derrick made other team's insanely nervous more so than other backs. So a lot of what the Titans do may have to be altered. But as long as the Titans can run the ball mildly well, it should be ok.
Ryan Tannehill is going to need to keep proving himself. He will need to play his best football.
This has been a whirlwind of events, it stinks that the Titans have to play the Rams this Sunday too. I'm honestly pretty nervous, but we'll see how that goes.
It's only Monday. I'll be intrigued to hear how AP performs in practice for the Titans.
HEAL UP QUICK DERRICK. Titans fans love ya!!
