Making the Case: Derrick Henry for MVP

Author- Peter DiPaola

Since the turn of the millennium, only 4 running backs have won the MVP award, Marshall Faulk (Rams) 2000, Shaun Alexander (Seahawks) 2005, LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers) 2006, and Adrian Peterson (Vikings) 2012. All other award winners have been quarterbacks since 2000, and while there are quarterbacks that could take home the MVP award this year, Derrick Henry deserves consideration for the award, and to be the first running back to take home the MVP in 8 years. 

This season, Derrick Henry has ran for 1257 yards and 12 touchdowns on 256 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt, all while not fumbling once. He had 3 rushing touchdowns in his most recent game in week 12 against the Colts, all in the first half. Based on his numbers, Derrick Henry is on pace for 1828 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, both of which would be career highs.

When the four running backs won MVP since 2000, they all had career high numbers, as well as record setting touchdown numbers, Alexander set the record in 2005 with 28 total touchdowns. Then the following season, Tomlinson set the record for total touchdowns with 31. Sure, Derrick Henry would need to do a lot to reset the 31 touchdown record set in 2006, with just 12 total touchdowns on the season with 5 games left to go. That should not hinder his chances for the MVP award, because he has helped carry the Titans to the division lead in the AFC South with a record of 8-3. Two of those victories were due to him running in the game winning touchdown in overtime, the first in week 6 against the Texans, and then again in week 11 against the Ravens. 

In the week 6 game, he went for 212 yards, including a 94 yard touchdown run to help put the Titans ahead in the fourth quarter. He also has 4 games with multiple touchdown runs this season, 3 games with 2 touchdowns, and 1 with 3 rushing touchdowns. Derrick Henry is having another impressive season, following up on his great 2019 season. Running backs are still important, despite the NFL becoming more of a passing league.

With 5 weeks left in the NFL season, Derrick Henry can still compile the stats needed, and continue to help his team win games to increase his chances to be in consideration for the MVP award. He could be in the conversation with Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers, which is not bad company to be in. 

Statistics are from www.pro-football-reference.com and www.nfl.com