Let’s remember the question isn’t whether or not the Titans will miss Henry. Everyone in their right mind knows they will. The question is was it necessary for Henry to be on a historic touches pace to instill fear in defenses? And was it the sole reason they were 6-2? I think the answer is demonstrably no.
Can we agree Henry was feared last year? Good. He averaged 5 less touches per game last year. This year he was averaging 1.1 yards less per carry than last year. He was averaging 0.6 yards less per carry this year than his career average. And with the 17 game season he was on pace to set a new record for touches. Oh and with Henry at 5 less touches per game last year do you want to guess what the Titans record was last year? Yep 6-2. So I see no evidence that being on a historic pace is the reason for the Titans success.
The threat of what Henry could do is what helped get the Titans to 6-2 both years. That threat was there whether or not Henry was getting 25 touches or 30. And I believe it would have been there at 20-22 as well. I don’t have the all22 and can’t find any stats but at the game it appeared to me the Titans feared Taylor and his 18 touches per game. The one thing that eliminates the fear of a great player is them not being on the field.
|