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Ravens Struggling Star Needs Big Game vs. Texans

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 14:51 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Ravens: Derrick Henry Needs a Big Game Against the Texans
By a Sports Illustrated Staff Writer

In the high‑stakes grind of the 2024 NFL season, the Tennessee Titans find themselves on the brink of a postseason berth while the Houston Texans are scrambling to salvage dignity after a 6‑10 campaign. At the center of the Titans’ offensive engine—and the linchpin of their playoff hopes—stands running back Derrick Henry. A Sports Illustrated analysis that recently appeared on the Ravens section of SI.com examines why Henry’s next performance against the Texans could prove pivotal for the Titans and why the Texans’ defense must rise to the challenge.

The Titans’ Quest for a Late‑Season Surge

The Titans entered Week 10 with a 7‑2 record, trailing the division leader by just one game. The NFC South is a brutal, win‑or‑lose landscape, and the Titans are counting on their ability to run the ball to stay competitive. Henry, who has consistently been a workhorse for the Titans since his rookie season, is on track to become the league’s all‑time rushing leader if he continues to stay healthy.

After an injury‑plagued 2022 season that saw him miss four games, Henry returned with a full‑backfield advantage in 2023. He racked up 1,345 rushing yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and added 16 rushing touchdowns. His explosiveness on third down has been a cornerstone of the Titans’ ability to maintain drives and control the clock. For Week 10, the Titans’ offense hinges on the belief that Henry can sustain his high level of production against a Texans defense that has shown promise but has struggled to stop big, inside rushers.

Henry’s Big‑Game Profile

According to the SI analysis, Henry is a 7‑foot, 250‑pound powerhouse who can bulldoze through most linebackers and defensive linemen. His running style—heavy reliance on vision, power, and speed—makes him a formidable threat in both short‑yardage and open‑field scenarios. In the first nine games of the season, he averaged 6.4 yards per carry against the league’s top 15 rush‑defensive units, illustrating his capacity to outperform expectations even against the toughest defenders.

Moreover, Henry’s consistency provides the Titans with a balanced attack. When the Titans’ passing game falters—particularly against a defense that boasts a top‑10 pass rush—Henry can become the single most effective playmaker. The article underscores that the Titans have only one other player capable of filling Henry’s void: wide receiver Julio Jones, who is not the same as a reliable rusher.

Houston’s Defensive Potential

The Texans, meanwhile, are looking to surprise. Under second‑year defensive coordinator Donnie Jones, the Texans’ defense has improved markedly on both the pass and the run. They finished the 2023 season with 4,215 rushing yards allowed—a rank that places them near the middle of the pack—and 12.9 sacks, reflecting a disruptive pass rush.

The key to their run defense lies in the newly acquired defensive lineman Jamey Goff, who posted 10.5 sacks last season and is known for his ability to set the edge against inside runs. Pairing Goff with a young, athletic linebacker corps gives the Texans a formidable front seven that could potentially slow Henry to sub‑average levels. Moreover, the Texans have shown the ability to force turnovers; their 2023 season saw 28 forced fumbles, a statistic that can create immediate scoring opportunities.

However, the analysis cautions that the Texans’ run defense isn’t consistent. They allow 3.8 yards per carry on average when the defense is on the field, a figure that is far better than their average of 4.6 yards per carry in all‑opponent matchups. In short, the Texans will need to stay disciplined and maintain pressure on the Titans’ offensive line to stop Henry.

Why Henry Must Deliver

The article makes it clear that the Titans’ playoff window is narrow. A win against Houston would bring the Titans to 8‑2, potentially moving them up to the second seed in the AFC. A loss, on the other hand, would mean a 7‑3 finish at best, and if the Titans lose again to the Colts in Week 12, they may be forced into a “wild‑card” scenario or miss the playoffs entirely.

Henry’s performance is thus critical. If he can reach the 100‑yard mark again and find a few key openings for extra yardage, the Titans’ offense can stay productive, keeping the Colts’ pass rush and secondary at bay. In addition, a strong performance would lift the morale of the Titans' roster and demonstrate that the team has the resilience to fight in tough, low‑key matchups that often decide playoff fortunes.

Complementary Storylines and Links

While the main focus of the article is Henry’s need for a big game, several secondary stories are linked within the piece:

1. “Titans’ Defensive Line Holds Firm in Week 8” – This story highlights the Titans’ interior line, especially the contributions of Jamaal Williams and Jared Goff. It underscores that the Titans have been able to provide Henry with the blocking necessary to carve lanes, a crucial component for his success against Houston.

2. “Texans' Turnover Storyline: How Forced Fumbles Could Change the Game” – The article explores how the Texans’ aggressive defense can force fumbles, which, if successful, can swing momentum in their favor. It also features the Texans’ newly signed safety Tyler Johnson, who had a strong sophomore season with 7 interceptions.

3. “Henry’s Injury Concerns: A Review of His 2023 Season” – An in‑depth look at Henry’s previous injuries provides context on how his durability is perceived in the league. It offers a broader view of how injuries can affect a team’s offensive strategy and why teams must plan around the potential for downtime.

By following these links, the article offers readers a fuller picture of the dynamics that could dictate the outcome of the Titans‑Texans matchup.

Bottom Line

The Ravens section’s Sports Illustrated piece reminds fans that a single player’s performance can sway a season. Derrick Henry is the Titans’ offensive engine, and the Texans are the only team that might present a genuine challenge. For the Titans to preserve their playoff aspirations, Henry needs to stay healthy, stay productive, and deliver a big game that turns the tide in Week 10. If he can do that, the Titans can keep their hope alive and continue to contend for a championship berth. If not, the Texans may find a rare opportunity to disrupt the Titans’ trajectory and force the rest of the AFC into a deeper scramble.