Can Short-Handed Texans Replicate Run Defense Success vs. Derrick Henry?

The Houston Texans successfully contained All-Pro running back Derek Henry nearly two weeks ago. But now, injuries could make defending Henry a daunting task on Sunday.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans had yet another too-close-for-comfort win two weeks ago during a 19-16 overtime victory against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 17.

The Texans picked up a road victory at Nissan Stadium without rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. But despite the solid performance Case Keenum gave in Stroud's absence, Houston recorded their eighth victory due to the strength of their run defense.

The Texans held the Titans to 66 yards on 30 attempts, with All-Pro running back Derrick Henry finishing with a season-low nine yards on 16 carries. Henry became the first player in league history to have at least 20 touches and produce less than 15 yards from scrimmage, per Ryan McDowell. 

Coach DeMeco Ryans and his staff found the key to containing Henry two weeks ago. But Sunday at NRG Stadium, the Texans will be tasked to slowing down the future Hall of Famer for the second time within a month.

Titans running back Derrick Henry is tackled by Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) during the second half at Nissan Stadium / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

"Derrick is a phenomenal player," Ryans said. "He’s done it for a long time, made a lot of plays. For us, each game is a new game. What happened last game, doesn’t matter. You have to show up every game. 

"We can’t rest on what we did last game. We have to show up with the right mentality, we have to play the right way – have to play good football. It’s going to take everyone to stop Derrick because he’s such a phenomenal running back."

The Texans may have to overcome a handful of injuries to their defensive front. Maliek Collins, Jonathan Greenard and Sheldon Rankins missed their second consecutive practice Thursday afternoon, and their status for Week 17 is in doubt.

"I put this quote up the other day, 'The arrogance of success is believing what we did yesterday is efficient for tomorrow," defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. "It's a new game. We may have new players playing...But it doesn't matter who is going to be in for us — our approach is going to remain the same. Our expectation is going to be the same."

'Sting's A Stud!' Is DB Living Up to High Expectations?

Henry's production nearly 14 days ago was a 180 from the dominating performances showcased against Houston since 2019. He came into their Week 15 contest rushing for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns over the previous five games. Henry also had four games where he rushed for over 200 yards.

His best performance during that stretch came during the Texans' 41-38 Week 16 loss to the Titans in 2020, where Henry rushed for a career-best 250 yards and two touchdowns at NRG Stadium.