NASHVILLE – Derrick Henry's done celebrating his 2019 NFL rushing title.
Three days later, the Titans running back is focused on the big picture – and what's ahead on Saturday when the team faces the New England Patriots in the first round of the playoffs.
"I think in the playoffs you have to be able to run the ball to get to the Super Bowl," Henry said. "I think running the ball effectively is the key to winning games in the playoffs."
A big challenge awaits.
Henry claimed the NFL's 2019 rushing title with 1,540 yards on 303 carries (5.1 avg.). Henry joined Billy Cannon (AFL, 1961), Earl Campbell (1978-80) and Chris Johnson (2009) as the only running backs in franchise history to lead their respective leagues in rushing.
In Sunday's win over the Texans, Henry ran for 211 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries.
But things get much tougher now. The Patriots are ranked No.1 in the NFL in total defense, allowing just 275.9 yards per game. The Patriots have allowed just 95.5 rushing yards per game.
"They do a really good job scheming," Henry said of the Patriots. "And they throw a variety of things at you on defense."
On Wednesday, the Titans were back on the practice field.
The team will practice again on Thursday before traveling to Foxborough, Mass., on Friday for Saturday's game against the defending Super Bowl champions.
"I think we are really just locked in, so we are focused on what we need to do," Henry said. "We know what type of game this is, we know who we are playing, so we are trying to be focused on each aspect of the game.
"I'm happy to be in the playoffs. It's a good opponent, it will be a hostile environment. It's playoff football."
