Seattle Seahawks Have ‘Locked & Loaded’ Backup Plan vs. Tennessee Titans, Derrick Henry

The Seattle Seahawks will visit the Tennessee Titans in Week 16, meaning a date with Derrick Henry is on the schedule. Clint Hurtt elaborated on that challenge.

The Seattle Seahawks will spend the early part of Christmas Eve in Nashville when they take on the Tennessee Titans. Per usual, running back Derrick Henry will take center stage, remaining the face of the franchise even with a flashy rookie quarterback in town.

That rookie, Will Levis, is dealing with a high ankle sprain. He’s currently questionable to go, opening the door for a return to veteran Ryan Tannehill and a run-heavy game plan.

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Seattle has about a coin flip’s chance of making the playoffs as things currently stand, but a win in Tennessee could bring those upwards of 70 percent according to the New York Times’ playoff simulator. Against a mediocre offense, limiting Henry’s impact and explosives in the run game will be crucial to healthier playoff positioning.

Seahawks defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt elaborated on preparing for an idiosyncratic team like the Titans.

“You always got to adapt to what style of offense you’re playing, your opponent, and obviously still fit things that fit your style of players, too – not always make it so much about the opponent,” Hurtt said. “It’s a different style of offense. This is a team that wants to run the football. They want to pound you, get multiple tight ends in the game. They do a good job of presenting some different challenges to you.”

Henry, the NFL’s leading active rusher, is having a down year – at least for his standards. His 63.1 yards per game is his lowest mark in a half-decade and finishing the year with 3.8 yards per attempt would be the worst finish of his career. His game-breaking consistency has time and time again been no match for poor offensive line play.

Even so, he’s generated 884 yards and 10 scores on the ground.

Seattle, meanwhile, presents a get-right game of sorts. He ran 16 times for nine yards against the Houston Texans in Week 15, a week after rushing for 34 yards (two per attempt) in Miami. The Seahawks' run defense has struggled, ranking 30th in expected points added per rush and 19th in success rate.

There will be plenty of opportunities for “King Henry” to find chunk plays on the ground.

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Seattle will likely counter with an increased dosage of heavier boxes, a role in which safety Jamal Adams is typically featured. However, he’s been ruled out, meaning linebacker Devin Bush may be given more snaps in “big nickel” sets.

“We always keep Devin available to us so he’s locked and loaded for that,” Hurtt said.

How the Seahawks navigate Adams’ uncertain future, and how the rest of the defense responds, could have a significant impact on how this home stretch plays out. For now, they’ll attempt to make the requisite adjustments to make this holiday a happy one.