Bama in the NFL, Week 15: Derrick Henry's Milestones Now of the Career Variety
Former Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry has been with the Tennessee Titans so long that his season accomplishments are now corresponding with career milestones.
For example, Henry has recorded two rushing touchdowns in each of his past three games, and is fourth in the league with 10 rushing touchdown this season. He's just the third player ever to record at least 10 rushing touchdowns in six consecutive seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson (nine seasons) and Adrian Peterson (seven).
If he can get two more rushing touchdowns this season, he'll be in some elite company as only five players have scored 12 rushing touchdowns in five-or-more in their first eight seasons. They others are Tomlinson, Peterson, Emmitt Smith and former Crimson Tide standout Shaun Alexander.
If Henry can get two touchdowns against the Houston Texans, and head coach DeMeco Ryans, hell be the fourth player since 2000 to score at least two rushing touchdowns in at least four consecutive games. He'd join Tomlinson (eight games in 2006), Priest Holmes (six in 2003-04), and Rickey Williams (four in 2002).
Since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Henry has more multiple rushing touchdowns in 23 games, than any other player.
Also of note this weekend:
• Four teams can lock down some playoff spots this week, including the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. There are 14 active former Crimson Tide players on those rosters.
• It's been a busy week for veteran former Crimson Tide players. For the Monday Night game, RB Kenyan Drake was elevated off the practice squad for the Green Bay Packers game against the Giants. That make a day after quarterback AJ McCarron saw his first NFL game action since 2020. Meanwhile, offensive lineman DJ Fluker, who had been rigorously trying to get back in the league, signed a practice-squad deal with the Raiders, while tight end Miller Forristall was added to the Rams practice squad.
• Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa continues to lead all players in balloting for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games with 129,783 votes.
• Keep an eye on Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore. He had a half-sack last week, and leads the team with career-high 4.5 sacks.
Week 15 Schedule
Thursday's Game
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders, 7:15 p.m. CT, Amazon Prime
Saturday's game
Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals, noon, NFL Network
Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts, 3:30 p.m., NFL Network
Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions, 7:15 p.m., NFL Network
Sunday's games
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers, noon, Fox
Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns, noon, Fox
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins, noon, CBS
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans, noon, CBS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers, noon, Fox
New York Giants at New Orleans Saints, noon, Fox
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots, noon, Fox
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals, 3:05 p.m., CBS
Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Rams, 3:05 p.m. CBS
Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills, 3:25 p.m., Fox
Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:20 p.m., NBC
Monday's Game
Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks, 7:15 p.m., ESPN
