Derrick Henry far surpasses Tyjae Spears in snap count, usage in Titans' win over Chargers
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry well-surpassed backup Tyjae Spears in snap count and touches in Sunday's 27-24 overtime win over the Los Angeles Chargers, one week after Spears surpassed the lead back in snaps.
Henry played 46 snaps against the Chargers, per the league’s stats, and Spears played 24 as the Titans seek the right balance between the two while trying to keep defenses guessing run or pass.
Spears had 34 snaps in the 16-15 season-opening loss to the New Orleans Saints. Henry had 30, but he had more touches, 17 to three.
On Sunday, Henry had 25 rushes for 80 yards and a touchdown, a relatively inefficient day as the Chargers' defense focused on stopping the All-Pro back. He also had three catches for 15 yards. Spears had eight carries for 49 yards and two catches for six yards.
"We’ll have to continue to try to find ways to get both those guys the ball," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said after the Chargers game. "Tyjae does good stuff. Derrick’s always done good stuff. We’re just going to have to continue to work and be creative and know they both can help us in different ways."
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Henry started the game and was the featured back on two goal-to-go situations, but Spears featured in other spots, including a nice run to convert a third-and-2 in the second quarter. The Titans also played both backs in the same formation on multiple occasions.
Both backs carried for a first down on the Titans' winning possession in overtime. Spears started the possession with a 13-yard run over the left side, and Henry extended the drive by converting a third-and-short with two hard yards. Nick Folk ended the game with a 41-yard field goal.
Nick Suss contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Titans seek balance using Derrick Henry, Tyjae Spears
