The Houston Texans know all about Derrick Henry.
More importantly, Henry knows all about Houston.
During his eight seasons as the face of the Tennessee Titans franchise, the former Heisman Trophy winner had a knack for putting on a show whenever he touched down at NRG Stadium. In three of his last four appearances, he’s rushed for over 200 yards and a touchdown.
But running backs are meant to lose steam as they age. Henry, who turns 31 next month, had his worst showing in years against the Texans during his final year with Tennessee last December, rushing for 42 yards on 12 carries while failing to pick up a first down.
As much as the Texans would love to see that version of Henry on Wednesday when the Baltimore Ravens arrive for their Christmas matchup, that likely won’t be the case.
94 days from Kickoff so let’s bring back this @KingHenry_2 94-yard tuddy
pic.twitter.com/HEl2fjzVpS
— NFL (@NFL) June 3, 2024
Henry’s back to his 2020 as the running mate to MVP candidate Lamar Jackson. Much like in 2020, he could be the favorite to win Offensive Player of the Year, too.
“I think Derrick has found that fountain of youth,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He is playing fast. He’s playing physical; he is tough as ever. Looks like the old Derrick Henry, and he’s low, and he’s playing very powerful. He has some really long runs, long runs for touchdowns.”
Finding a watering hole that keeps the legs fresh might be far-fetched, but Henry’s consistent blend of power and homerun speed has served as an anchor for the Ravens run game.
His 1,636 rushing yards rank only second behind Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley.
‘He looks like the old Derrick Henry. He’s found the fountain of youth. He’s a load.’ #Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on #Ravens star running back
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 22, 2024
Henry’s 13 rushing touchdowns rank third behind only Bills running back James Cook and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. His seven 100-plus yard outings also marks a career-high since 2022.
Every RB with 2,300+ rushing yards, 25+ rushing TDs over the past 2 seasons combined:
Derrick Henry
Kyren Williams— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) December 24, 2024
“He has it all, the speed, physicality, like he brings it all and the o-line is doing a really good job of giving him some nice lanes to run through,” Ryans said. “So, it’s going to be a difficult match up for us when it comes to just stopping the run game, probably the best run unit we’ve seen all year.”
The Texans are hoping even with a short-handed defense that they’ll be able to contain Henry like it’s 2023 all over again. Henry will look to recreate the 2021 magic en route to passing up Barkley for his first rushing title in four years.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.