Tennessee Titans running Derrick Henry back would be happy to see less of Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson – and not because they were the Pro Bowl reps for the AFC’s 32-12 loss to the NFC in the “Pro Bowl: The Madden NFL 21 Edition” on Sunday.
With Sunday’s Pro Bowl canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, a streaming video game version took its place with Henry and Watson representing the AFC, along with former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson and Snoop Dogg as the famous member. But they lost to Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, former NFL back Mashawn Lynch and NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace.
Watson is at odds with the Texans and wants to be traded. Since Houston is an AFC South rival to Tennessee and is on the Titans’ schedule twice a season, Henry is fine with Watson moving to another team because it would “be better for us.”
“It always came down to the wire,” Henry told Yahoo Sports of the Titans’ games against the Texans. “That’s the type of player Deshaun is. I know Deshaun so well. I wish the best in everything that happens to him. But like I said, it’s better for us that he’s out of the division. We certainly appreciate it. “
As a declining Alabama, Henry won the 2015 Heisman Trophy when Clemson quarterback Watson was also a finalist.
Tennessee has won the past three games against Houston, with Henry running 673 yards and seven touchdowns. But Watson has a 3-3 record against the Titans as the starting QB of the Texans, with four of the games being decided with six or fewer runs.
If Watson fulfills his wish, Houston won’t be the only AFC South team with a new quarterback. Philip Rivers of the Indianapolis Colts retired after the 2020 season, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to select a quarterback with first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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Opposing quarterbacks won’t be all that’s new to Henry in 2021. Henry has led the NFL in the rush for the past two seasons with Arthur Smith naming the plays for the Titans.
But Smith left his post as Tennessee offensive coordinator to become the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
“I’m excited for Arthur,” Henry said. ‘I’m going to miss Arthur, man. Been with Arthur since I joined the NFL and started playing for this organization. Arthur is a great guy. I can’t think of anyone else who deserves this opportunity more. I know he will do great. I wish him the best in everything he does in his new coaching job in Atlanta. I know everyone is offended and in the organization will miss him. “
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Henry made those comments before Tennessee named Smith’s replacement. On Friday, Titans coach Mike Vrabel announced that tight-end coach Todd Downing had been promoted to offensive coordinator.
“Todd has done a great job with the tight ends over the past two years, playing an important role in the game planning process every week,” said Vrabel. “I was impressed with the details of his lessons and the production of his group and the offense in general. I’m sure he will have some new ideas to implement, but the core system will be there to build on, which I think is important. “
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at Ark AMarkG1.
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