NASHVILLE – It's Bills week for the Titans, and running back Derrick Henry's stiff-arm from last year's game has been all over social the past few days.
On Thursday, Henry passed on a chance to talk about it.
He's focused on this year's game.
"Nahhh, I kind of don't (want to talk about it)," Henry said on the subject. "It happened, and it's over with."
Henry did light up when asked about last year's 42-16 win over the Bills, which followed just two days of practice after the team's facility was closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
It was one of the highlights of the team's season.
"Last year, it was crazy," Henry said. "Especially with that deal we had with COVID and having to play on a Tuesday. We ended up winning, but every time we play Buffalo it is always tough. It was tough at the beginning of the game last year, but we ended up coming out with a big win. Playing these guys is always tough. They are always solid in all three phases."
This is a different Titans team, of course.
And yes, these Bills are also different as well – aside from the fact the player Henry sent flying with that stiff-arm (Josh Norman), is no longer on the team.
Buffalo leads the NFL in both points scored per game (34.4) and fewest points allowed per game (12.8). Buffalo also ranks first in takeaways (15) and turnover margin (plus-11).
The Bills are ranked first in the NFL in yardage allowed (251.8 per game) and third in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (78.4).
Henry knows the challenge.
"They are ranked third for a reason," Henry said. "Even looking back, 2019, like two years ago, they still have some of the same guys who played together for a long time, who know the schemes very well and who do great in the scheme. They have a lot of experience from top to bottom. It is a really good defense."
Through five games, Henry leads the NFL in scrimmage yards (765), rushing yards (640) and rushing touchdowns (7). He's been the team's most consistent player.
Henry can accomplish the following this week against Buffalo:
-He needs 110 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to join Jim Brown (1963), Eric Dickerson (1983) and Terrell Davis (1998) as the NFL's only players since 1960 with 750 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in the first six games of a season.
-A 100-yard rushing performance would be the third of his career on Monday Night Football.
-He needs three rushing touchdowns (62 career) to pass Eddie George (64) for second place on the franchise rushing touchdowns list behind only Earl Campbell (73).
-Henry can become the first NFL player since Larry Johnson in 2005 with at least 25 rushing attempts and 100 rushing yards in five consecutive games. He would be the seventh player since 1960 to do so.
On Monday night, Henry will also aim for his fifth game in a row with 100-plus rushing yards, the longest active streak in the NFL.
A perfectionist, Henry sees room for improvement in the running game.
"You are always looking to improve every week whether it is together or individually," Henry said. "That is always the main focus is just improving each and every week no matter how it goes. Always wanting to be better.
"I would say seeing it and hitting it (is an area to improve). No hesitation when I see it, just go hit it. Last week, I think Taylor (Lewan) said we left some meat on the bone, so just trying to be better than I was last week and make the most out of my plays and get the most I can when the ball is in my hands."
