Henry has done next to nothing statistically and Matt LaFleur is seemingly wasting downs

Those Criticizing Derrick Henry Need to Point Elsewhere Too Kevin Byard Jersey , for Now Based on headline alone, I’d bet some readers are already headed to the comment section to disagreeably pound their fists on the MCM round table and bemoan how much of a disappointment Derrick Henry has been through four games.Admittedly, they wouldn’t be wrong.The problem is, Henry isn’t alone in his struggles on the ground and, taking an objective view, I recommend Titans fans hit pause on their ire towards the former Heisman-winning RB.In no way is this examination intended to praise Henry.It is simply advocating for patience and for the current umbrella of blame to be opened wider.This team is in a great spot at 3-1, the defense has been stout overall, and the passing game finally showed signs of life this past Sunday.The run game is the one phase which is not trending in the right direction under this new staff and I’m sure everyone directly involved recognizes it as a weak link in need of strengthening.First thing’s first, here are some unbiased statistics to factor in.I’ve listed each of the Titans’ first four opponents’ yards per carry allowed against their other three opponents (i.e. I excluded the Titans to avoid overlap), with one small adjustment.To better filter out anomaly plays, I omitted the 2 longest and 2 shortest runs against each defense.Here’s what I wound up with:Miami DolphinsDiscarded Runs-5 yards-4 yards22 yards23 yardsAdjusted Total77 attempts279 yards3.62 ypcHouston TexansDiscarded Runs-5 yards-3 yards15 yards24 yardsAdjusted Total62 attempts221 yards3.56 ypcJacksonville JaguarsDiscarded Runs-4 yards-3 yards15 yards68 yardsAdjusted Total49 attempts130 yards2.65 ypcPhiladelphia EaglesDiscarded Runs-6-31420Adjusted Total44 attempts111 yards2.52 ypcNext, I tallied both Derrick Henry’s and Dion Lewis’ yards per carry against each opponent to date, after excluding any runs that would have been discarded from the previously calculated defensive totals had the Titans been included.For instance, against the Eagles I excluded both a -4 yard run and a 14 yard run from Derrick Henry’s average, because both fell on or outside of the parameters set within the first section.This way, the backs did not receive credit for runs that wouldn't have factored into the defensive totals.Derrick HenryAdjusted Totals:Dolphins: 2.6 ypcTexans: 3.47 ypc (discarded a -3 yard run)Jaguars: 3.53 ypc (discarded a -3 yard run)Eagles: 2.33 ypc (discarded a -4 yard run and a 14 yard run)Dion LewisAdjusted Totals:Dolphins: 3.86 ypc (discarded a -5 yard run and a 26 yard run)Texans: 3.46 ypc (discarded a -3 yard run)Jaguars: 3.63 ypc (discarded a -3 yard run)Eagles: 0 ypcAt first glance, Lewis appears to have been the more consistent back.I realize it runs contrary to the basis of this analysis to bring up Henry’s called-back 60-yard run in Miami (which would have been discarded even if it had counted), but I think it’s fair to at least mention it in the context of the gap between Henry and Lewis in week one.Going into that game, Lewis was viewed as a better stylistic match-up against the Dolphins defensive front.Especially when omitting outlier runs, one could have predicted the gap in efficiency in that contest.Outside of that game, though, the two have been right on par with one another.Both narrowly under-performed vs. the average against Houston and outperformed the average against Jacksonville.Lewis only received 4 carries against the Eagles (compared to Henry’s 8) and he may have brought up his average slightly if given a couple more opportunities.Very few backs http://www.titansauthorizedshops.com/authentic-austin-johnson-jersey , if any, are going to find consistent success against Philadelphia.Not factoring in their current season stats, Henry and Lewis have both achieved high yards per carry historically.During his first two pro seasons, Henry averaged 4.3 ypc (not adjusted in the same manner as above).Over the five seasons prior to 2018, Lewis earned 4.8 ypc (again, non-adjusted).I have no beef with anyone who suggests that Dion Lewis is a better pro running back than Derrick Henry.Lewis certainly offers more as a receiver.Henry may develop into a better pass blocker as his career elapses, but right now Lewis is more reliable in that facet too.As runners, they’ve both been successful.It’s important to recognize the reality of their respective “styles”, however.To make a baseball analogy, Henry is like a designated hitter who bats for power, not average.Lewis is like a shortstop—he’s a more complete player who does a little bit of everything at the plate but isn’t going to go yard as often.To continue with the analogy, the pitchers they’ve faced—the opposing run defenses—have played a significant role in a shared lack of success.I also don’t think the other members of the line-up—the Titans OL—have given either many chances to knock in RBIs or advance runners.Getting back to a real sport, I think it’s reasonable to allow some more time for the offensive line to gel both as a unit and within this new blocking scheme.Matt LaFleur is still learning when and how he can get the most out of each back.There will be games for both in which they prove more valuable than the other.Strictly in terms of run plays, my proverbial scorecard would award Jacksonville and Philadelphia to Henry, Miami to Lewis, and call Houston a draw (Welcome to the wide world of cross-sports analogies!)According to Football Outsiders’ Rush Defense DVOA, the Titans have played the 6th, 3rd, 7th, and 2nd highest-rated run defenses in the league through four games.In the next quarter of the season, they’ll face the (current) 14th, 9th Authentic Derrick Henry Jersey , 25th, and 13th highest-rated run defenses.We should get a more balanced sample with which to evaluate Henry, Lewis, the OL, and LaFleur’s run-play selection.Here’s hoping each can improve enough to make the ground game an asset for the Titans down the stretch.Titans Jayon Brown Developing Into a Key Defensive Cog Titans second year linebacker Jayon Brown continues to make strides in DC Dean Pees defense.In four games, Brown is on pace to shatter his rookie season marks in all statistical categories. His current averages suggest he could accumulate 92 combined tackles, with potentially 64 solo tackles and 28 assists. Brown already has one sack to his credit - which is half a sack away from what he was able to do in 16 games last season. With his snap count slated to increase, so should his production.The Titans gave Brown his first career start at inside linebacker against the Philadelphia Eagles. He did not disappoint. When watching the game, it was hard not to notice 55.If he wasn’t making the tackle, he was near the ball and added a celebratory dance following momentum defining moments.Hybrid LinebackerPees will continue to take advantage of Brown’s unique skill-set. Drafted under the guise of an undersized linebacker, Brown has proven he can excel in both passing and running downs. He possesses the quickness that enables him to stick to tight ends or receivers/running backs coming across the middle or in the flats, has tremendous closing speed and is a reliable tackler.Jim Brown-USA TODAY SportsThe term “hybrid-linebacker” has increased in popularity. In the simplest terms, it’s a smaller linebacker that looks more suited to play a safety role. Brown will continue to evolve into a solid piece of Pees’s defense. He has shown the instincts and ability to adapt and react with precision. It doesn’t hurt to see the charismatic energy he brings into the linebacker group, also. Variations at ILBThe Titans have a formidable group of ILB’s that each possess different unique traits. Will Compton possesses the veteran savvy and smarts to ensure guys are in the right place before the ball is snapped. Same with Wesley Woodyard - who brings an electricity and swag to the group that is important.Darren Bates offers familiarity with the team, but he makes his money bringing the boom on special teams. He can fill in when needed, but his main role with the team is clear.Then, you have rookie ILB Rashaan Evans who is essential still in the “preseason phase”. Evans possess the physical talents and a violent nature that will be a great boost to the defensive thump once he establishes a more defined role.Benny Sieu-USA TODAY SportsFor Brown, he offers both coverage ability and can avoid be a liability when making tackles in the open field. He can be an effective blitzer and his ball-awareness can contribute to him acquiring sneaky interceptions due to having very active hands. It will be intriguing to watch the ILB group continue to grow and evolve with the defense. If the defensive front continues to collapse the pocket while the OLBs do damage from the outside, the well-rounded linebacker group will continue to produce.When Pees sends one of his ILBs up the A-Gap, quarterbacks beware.