The Rise of Derrick Henry

Derrick Henry’s journey to becoming one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history is rooted in his college days at the University of Alabama, where he became a household name after a record-breaking Heisman Trophy-winning season in 2015. Henry’s size, speed, and ability to break tackles set him apart from other running backs, and when he was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, many scouts and analysts predicted that he could become a star in the league. However, his true emergence didn’t happen overnight.

After a relatively quiet first two years in the league, Henry began to hit his stride in 2018, when he broke out with over 1,000 rushing yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns. By 2019, he had transformed into one of the most feared backs in the NFL, ultimately earning NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors after leading the league in rushing yards (1,540) and touchdowns (16). His rare ability to break through tackles with a combination of power and speed earned him a reputation as a freight train on the field—an unstoppable force that opposing defenses struggled to contain.

But it wasn’t just his regular-season success that made Derrick Henry such an asset—it was his performance in the postseason that truly solidified his legacy as one of the greats. His playoff performances, particularly in recent years, have turned him into a player that opposing teams circle on their calendars, as he has consistently been one of the most dominant forces in January football.

Derrick Henry’s Playoff Success

Derrick Henry’s impact in the postseason is undeniable. In an era where passing attacks are often the focal point of playoff football, Henry has proven that a dominant ground game can still win championships. His most notable playoff run came during the 2019 season, where he led the Titans on a shocking and memorable playoff run that took them all the way to the AFC Championship Game. In that stretch, Henry cemented his place in postseason lore with some of the most memorable performances in recent memory.

1. 2019 AFC Wild Card Game: Titans vs. Patriots

The 2019 playoffs marked Derrick Henry’s arrival as a true postseason legend. In the AFC Wild Card game against the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, Henry put together a performance for the ages, rushing for 182 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries. His 182-yard outing was the second-most ever in a postseason game for the Titans, and it helped Tennessee upset the Patriots 20-13, effectively ending the dynasty of the Tom Brady-led Patriots.

Henry’s ability to carry the load in a game where the Titans faced a Hall of Fame quarterback and an experienced team proved that he could handle the pressure of the postseason. What made Henry’s performance even more remarkable was the way he wore down the Patriots’ defense. As the game went on, it was clear that Henry’s strength and size were too much for the Patriots to handle. His punishing runs took a physical toll on the opposition, and he became a true difference-maker in a high-stakes playoff game.

2. 2019 AFC Divisional Round: Titans vs. Ravens

After their victory over the Patriots, the Titans moved on to face the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round. The Ravens were a juggernaut that season, led by MVP Lamar Jackson and a defense that had been one of the best in the league. However, Henry wasn’t intimidated. In a shocking upset, the Titans defeated the Ravens 28-12, and Henry was once again the star of the show.

Henry rushed for 195 yards and added another touchdown in the win, controlling the tempo of the game and eating up valuable clock time. His 195-yard performance was particularly notable because it came against a Ravens defense that had been outstanding all season long. By the time the game was over, Henry had proven that he could handle any challenge thrown his way, regardless of the opponent’s defensive prowess.

3. 2019 AFC Championship Game: Titans vs. Chiefs

Henry’s remarkable playoff run in 2019 ultimately came to an end in the AFC Championship Game, where the Titans faced the Kansas City Chiefs. While the Titans fell short of a Super Bowl appearance after losing 35-24, Henry still put up an impressive performance, rushing for 69 yards on 19 carries and contributing as much as he could to a team that struggled to keep pace with the high-powered Chiefs offense.

Despite the loss, Henry’s 2019 postseason run remains one of the most dominant stretches of playoff football ever witnessed from a running back. His ability to carry a team on his back and control the game through his physical running style was the hallmark of a true playoff asset. Henry had firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s most valuable players, regardless of position.

Why Derrick Henry Is Such a Valuable Asset in the Playoffs

Derrick Henry’s postseason success is not an accident. There are several factors that contribute to his effectiveness in the playoffs, making him a huge asset for any team looking to make a deep postseason run. These factors include his rare combination of physical attributes, his ability to wear down defenses, and his mental toughness under pressure.

1. Size and Power

At 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, Derrick Henry is a physical specimen that most NFL players can only dream of being. His size makes him a unique force at the running back position. He combines that size with remarkable speed for a man of his stature, running the 40-yard dash in the 4.5-second range, a time that most running backs much smaller than him would envy. It’s no wonder that Henry can bulldoze through tacklers, stiff-arm defenders, and make defenders look like they’re in slow motion as they try (and fail) to take him down.

In the postseason, this combination of size and power is even more valuable, as playoff games tend to be more physical and defensive-oriented. Defenses tend to wear down over the course of a long season, and Henry’s sheer physicality can break down even the toughest defenses. In playoff games where every possession counts, Henry’s ability to grind out tough yards and pick up extra yardage after contact gives his team a significant advantage.

2. Endurance and Mental Toughness

One of the things that sets Derrick Henry apart from most other running backs is his endurance. As the game progresses, Henry only seems to get stronger, wearing down defenses with each carry. This characteristic is invaluable in the playoffs, where teams are often trying to control the clock and dictate the tempo of the game. The more Henry runs, the more he wears down opposing defenses, and that ultimately gives the Titans an edge in close, high-stakes games.

In addition to his physical endurance, Henry has a unique mental toughness that allows him to rise to the occasion when the pressure is at its highest. In big moments, Henry is able to stay calm and focused, knowing that his team is relying on him to produce. His ability to perform in clutch situations—like on critical third downs or in the red zone—makes him a true asset in the postseason.

3. The Ability to Control the Game

One of the most important qualities of any successful playoff team is the ability to control the game. While elite quarterbacks and pass-catchers often dominate the headlines, a strong running game can control the flow of the game and take the pressure off other facets of the offense. Derrick Henry’s ability to churn out long, sustained drives helps the Titans do exactly that.

A successful ground game keeps the opposing offense off the field, which is particularly valuable in the postseason when every possession is critical. Henry’s big runs force defenses to commit extra players to the box, which can open up opportunities for the Titans’ passing attack. His ability to dictate the flow of the game is one of the reasons the Titans have been so competitive in recent playoff appearances.

The Future of Derrick Henry in the Playoffs

As Derrick Henry continues to age and accumulate wear and tear from his heavy workload, the question remains whether he will be able to maintain his dominance in future playoff runs. The physical demands on running backs in the NFL are immense, and while Henry has defied expectations in terms of his durability, the wear and tear of a long career could eventually catch up with him. However, even if Henry’s production begins to decline, his impact on the game will continue to be felt.

What makes Henry such a unique asset is not just his individual performance, but also the way he lifts the play of those around him. The Titans’ offensive game plan is built around Henry, and his ability to dominate the game helps elevate the performance of the entire team. Even as he gets older, Henry’s presence on the field will continue to be felt in the playoffs, as opposing teams will always be forced to account for him.