The NFL is all about making bold predictions. And that is exactly what former running back and NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew did when he predicted the Tennessee Titans will beat the New England Patriots.
MJD labels Titans second-year running back Derrick Henry as the critical X-factor.
”The reason being is Derrick Henry, Jones-Drew said, per Jim Wyatt of the team’s official website. “(He’s) 6-3, 245-250 pounds, and they run the ball. The Patriots, in the month of December, are 20th in the league, averaging 115 (rushing) yards per game on defense. So they are giving up a 100-yard rusher. Derrick Henry gets 156 yards this (past weekend against the Chiefs). You know they are going to run the rock. And the one way you are going to beat Tom Brady is keep him off the field.”
“I have the Titans actually going in there and handling business.”
Handling business is just what Henry accomplished in his Wild Card playoff game. The Titans put up a surprising, winning performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, who had no answers for stopping Henry.
The young running back rushed for 156 yards on 23 carries and scored one touchdown. Last week marked the second game in a row Henry filled in for the injured DeMarco Murray.
The Titans will once again need Henry to work his magic to have a shot at beating a Patriots team that dominates in the postseason.
Odds heavily favor the Patriots to win. Though, the unexpected in football is always waiting around the corner.