Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry would be happy to see less of Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson – and not because they were the Pro Bowl representatives for the AFC lost 32-12 to the NFC at “Pro Bowl: The Madden NFL 21 Edition” on Sunday.
With Sunday’s Pro Bowl canceled because of 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 famous members. But they lost to Seattle Seahawks security guard Jamal Adams, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, former NFL running back Mashawn Lynch and NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace.
Watson is at odds with the Texans and wants to be negotiated. As Houston is a rival to AFC South Tennessee and is on the Titans’ schedule twice each season, Henry is fine with Watson going to another team because it would be “better for us”.
“It was always reaching its limit,” Henry told Yahoo Sports of the Titans’ games against the Texans. “This is the type of player that Deshaun is. I know Deshaun so well. I wish the best in everything that happens to him. But as I said, it is better for us that he is out of the category. We definitely appreciate that. “
As an Alabama running back, Henry won the 2015 Heisman Trophy when Watson, who was Clemson’s quarterback, was also a finalist.
Tennessee won his last three games against Houston, with Henry running 673 yards and seven touchdowns. But Watson has a 3-3 record against the Titans as the Texans’ initial QB, with four of the games decided by six or less points.
If Watson makes his wish come true, Houston will not 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 must select a quarterback with first choice in the NFL’s 2021 Draft.
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The opposing quarterbacks will not be new to Henry in 2021. Henry has led the NFL in the race for the past two seasons, with Arthur Smith calling the shots for the Titans.
But Smith left his post as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator to become the Atlanta Falcons coach.
“I’m excited for Arthur,” Henry said. “I’m going to miss Arthur, man. I’ve been with Arthur since I came to the NFL and started playing for this organization. Arthur is a great guy. I can’t think of anyone else who deserves the opportunity anymore. I know he is going to do a great job. I wish him the best in everything he does in his new coaching job in Atlanta. I know that everyone in the attack and in the organization will miss him ”.
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Henry made these observations before Tennessee named Smith’s replacement. On Friday, Titans coach Mike Vrabel announced that coach Todd Downing was promoted to offensive coordinator.
“Todd has done a great job with tight ends for the past two years and has played an important role in the game planning process each week,” said Vrabel. “I was impressed with the details of his teaching, the production of his group and the attack in general. I’m sure it will have some new ideas to implement, but the central system will be ready to be built, which I think is important ”.
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @ AMarkG1.
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