Derrick Henry joins 10k/100 rush club

[readjack]

Derrick Henry bagged his 100th rushing touchdown today, and then his 101st, a milestone that pretty much punches his ticket to Canton. Here's the list of players with 10,000 yards rushing and 100 rushing touchdowns:

Emmitt - 164 / 18,355
Tomlinson - 145 / 13,684
Allen - 123 / 12,243
AP - 120 / 14,918
Walter - 110 / 16,726
Brown - 106 / 12,312
Riggins - 104 / 11,352
Henry - 101 / 10,554
Faulk - 100 / 12,279

One other player has 100 rushing touchdowns: Shaun Alexander. He finished just under 9,500 rushing yards.

Henry fits in well with that group on TD titles and rush titles, sorted here by combined titles:

13x - Brown (5x TD / 8x rush)
7x - Emmitt (3x TD / 4x rush)
6x - Henry (3x TD* / 3x rush*)
5x - Tomlinson (3x TD / 2x rush), AP (2x TD / 3x rush)
3x - Allen (2x TD / 1x rush)
2x - Walter (1x TD / 1x rush), Riggins (2x TD / 0x rush)
1x - Faulk (1x TD / 0x rush)

* with 2024

This all says nothing of the brilliant experience of watching Henry. The power, the speed, the trucking defenders. And of course this isn't the only way to measure greatness at running back. Barry ended at 99 rushing TDs, Dickerson at 90, Campbell at 74, O.J. at just 61. But in this era that is tough on running backs, Derrick Henry reaching these two milestones speaks to his greatness. I look forward to seeing him in the Hall!

[ChrisBabcock]

This all says nothing of the brilliant experience of watching Henry.

I concur, he is amazing to watch. I've been telling people, he's been my favorite non-49ers/non-Billa player of the last 10 years or so.

[Brian wolf]

Henry will make the HOF, but it remains to be seen this year if he will make his second consensus All-Pro selection, with Barkley nipping at his heels. So far, his TDs and huge plays are making the difference but with Jackson throwing pretty well, Barkley's dual threat abilities wont be ignored. Kyren Williams scores TDs as well but his offensive line is beat up and a work in progress.

If Henry scores 20 TDs, his All-Pro status should be assured. The return of Keaton Mitchell will give him some rest before the playoffs, though anything can happen.

[JameisBrownston]

Barkley is no longer much of a pass-catching back. He's barely done more than Henry in receiving.

[Brian wolf]

I feel Barkley will be more involved in the passing game as the season progresses. Henry is one of my favorite players and I dont want to jinx him but this season reminds me of his Titans year in 2021. He started on fire that year but got injured after eight games while leading the league in rushing. I just hope that the Ravens are smart with him as the season goes on? They could bury the Bengals with a win thurday night, although Cincy could see them again if they make the playoffs. A special season or not, the Ravens have to implement Mitchell as well to keep Henry fresh for the postseason. The Steelers will obviously factor in the divisional title.

[SeahawkFever]

But in this era that is tough on running backs, Derrick Henry reaching these two milestones speaks to his greatness.

It speaks to Henry's greatness no doubt. He should make it to Canton easily, likely first few years of eligibility.

But I will ask: Could it be said that Henry was fortunate to play on one of the few teams in the early 2020's that ran an offensive scheme that was predicated on giving one running back the ball for most of the carries?

And these days, running backs are not typically seen as particularly valuable to most schemes from the looks of it, and it feels like they are replaced after their fifth year options.

[Brian wolf]

Henry proves the value of a time of possession running game and plays in an era where too many defenders are wary of fines and injuries due to tackling. It would be interesting had he played in the Eddie George era where defenses and running games were more hard-nosed and relentless?

Remember, it took him him nearly three years before he became a star player. Imagine had he had over 1300 yards rushing his first two seasons?

[readjack]

Henry proves the value of a time of possession running game and plays in an era where too many defenders are wary of fines and injuries due to tackling. It would be interesting had he played in the Eddie George era where defenses and running games were more hard-nosed and relentless?

Remember, it took him him nearly three years before he became a star player. Imagine had he had over 1300 yards rushing his first two seasons?

Are you saying Henry would be better if he played earlier?

[Brian wolf]

Living in Nashville watching the Titans, I was disappointed in Henry's first two seasons as I wanted him to jump out like Eddie George did to start his career. Henry seemed more hesitant and needed more time and dedication but was really ready for year three. DeMarco Murray pushed him I believe but also deserved his chance to start.

I liked Murray as well and wished the Cowboys had kept him.

[readjack]

Got it. Thanks!