Texans Hold Derrick Henry to NFL Record-Low Numbers

After years of dominating, All-Pro running back Derrick Henry had arguably the worst game of his career against the Houston Texans' improved run defense.

The Houston Texans had arguably their best defensive performance of the season during their 19-16 overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Amid recording a season-best seven sacks on rookie quarterback Will Levis, the Texans' best production on the defensive side of the ball came with their ability to stop the run. 

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. 

"It was tough sledding today," Henry said. "They were the better team on each side of the ball today. They did a great job. They had a great plan. They stopped the run effectively, and we didn't do well enough on our side."

Derrick Henry tries to get past Houston Texans linebacker Denzel Perryman during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium :: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Henry's production on Sunday 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. 

However, the Texans' ability to contain Henry should not have been a surprise. Houston has possessed the seven-best defense at stopping the run this season, allowing 93.5 yards on the ground. 

'Proud' DeMeco Ryans And Texans Take Down Titans: What We Learned

Coach DeMeco Ryans has improved several facets in his first season at the helm in Houston, but improving the Texans' run defense is one of his greatest achievements.

"I am proud of all of our guys," Ryans said. "The defense played great today. They got after the quarterback, kept down the explosive plays, and held them in the run game. I thought the defense played really good football all day."