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Photo: Eric Christian Smith / AP
CROWN HIMMMMMMM! King Henry is back, and continues his conquest to control all of the AFC in his vast territory. Today’s annexation was the city of Houston. Once again Tennessee went into their old city and took the Texans’ lunch money, orange juice, granola bar, and proceeded to punch them in the face to add insult to injury. The King was the whole offense, with 32 carries, 219 yards, and 2 TD’s (which put him ahead of franchise icon Eddie George for most touchdowns in team history. Congrats Derrick!).
Game Observations
Henry was the Henry of old. He was bouncing runs to the outside, stiff-arming guys, and just running through Texan players like they were little kids. It was fun and encouraging to see. The defense came to play, just like every other week. Kristian Fulton had an interception, and Big Jeff Simmons and the rest of the defensive line tore through the Houston o-line, with 3 sacks and 6 more QB hits, and countless more pressures on poor Davis Mills. They also stuffed the run game, with just 43 yards on 18 tries. Something to note was that star strong safety Amani Hooker left the game with a shoulder injury. If he isn’t good to go next Sunday night vs. Kansas City, it could be devastating. Rookie QB, Malik Willis played ok in his first career start. He was filling in for Ryan Tannehill, who was out with a sprained ankle. The coaching staff clearly wanted to ease Willis in, with just 10 throws the whole game, and 5 other runs, but Music-City-Malik showed flashes of greatness, and outside an early interception, he did well, considering that fellow rookie receivers, Treylon Burks, and Kyle Phillips are on IR. Does this mean I want him to play next week? No. I would much rather have Tannehill go toe to toe with Patty Mahomes, but it would be intriguing to see the dual-threat rookie vs. one of the best magicians in the league. It was a good team win, and outside of the Willis pick, Robert Woods fumble, and Fat Randy missing a field goal, this was the type of win that Mike Vrabel loves. A hard-fought, defensive, and running game type of game vs. a divisional rival.
Stats and Fantasy
Malik Willis - 6/10, 55 yards, 0 TD’s, 1 INT, 5.5 avg. 5 carries, 12 yards, 2.4 avg. - 2.40 fantasy pts.
Don’t pick up Malik, he may not play again this year. But it was great to see his potential, and to see him get a dub in his first career start.
Derrick Henry - 32 carries, 219 yards, 2 TD’s, 6.8 avg. 1 catch, 9 yards. - 35.80 fantasy pts.
I forgot to start Derrick this week, as he was coming off the bye week, but I am projected to win anyways. In my other league, he single-handedly knocked me out of first place. :(
Dontrell Hilliard - 8 carries, 83 yards, 0 TD’s, 10.4 avg. 1 catch, 12 yards. - 10.50 fantasy pts.
Hilliard may be a solid depth option, as he has been getting touches, and yards consistently.
Tennessee Titans Defense - 161 yards allowed, 3 sacks, 1 INT - 9.00 fantasy pts.
Pick the dawgs up if you can, they are top-3 in the league in my opinion. I am not being biased either.
Final Thoughts
The defense has been humming along during this 5-game-winning streak, but will have a huge test next week, when we visit KC. The way they have shut down offense after offense is truly impressive. Despite no Ryan T, the offense (*cough cough* Derrick Henry) got enough done to take the W. If Treylon Burks can get healthy, and hopefully J-Rob can trade for a wideout as well, then the offense could compete with the powerhouses like the Chiefs, Dolphins, and Bengals.
What’s Next
Like I said about a thousand times already, the Titans travel to Arrowhead to play the offensive juggernaut in the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sunday Night Football. If they win, it will be a major statement, and will tell the rest of the league that the Titans are contenders. A loss doesn’t hurt too bad, but to know that we can hang with the big dogs would be nice to know, especially after the 41-7 pounding we took in Buffalo back in week 2. Other than that, hopefully, Tannehill is healthy, and don’t forget to TitanUp!
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