Henry and Brown. 1 2 Punch?

TheRealBigTimer · #1 07-20-2005, 06:23 PM

I was wondering while watching the press conference for Travis Henry today, here you have 2 decent Running Backs, Travis Henry and Chris Brown, now think of it, Brown is a bigger more powerful guy then Henry, and Henry is a smaller more finesse guy then Brown. So how does this work? Keep Henry and leave Brown high and dry after the season is over? My thought is no. The way I see it, is Tennessee may just be trying to create a "non feature back system". Am I crazy for beleiving this?

porky88 · #2 07-20-2005, 06:26 PM

yea there isn't any 2 back systems in the NFL anymore. Henry will probably get the start and Brown will be used as a 3rd down back. My guess is the cut or trade Brown in the off season because he won't be happy.

TheRealBigTimer · #3 07-20-2005, 07:00 PM

Well hold up a second because I have something to show you. But you have to think for a second, their offensive coordinator is Norm Chow, who correct me if I am wrong, last year used Reggie Bush and Lindell White didnt he?

But anyway, after Travis Henry was introduced to the team, Chris Brown was interviewed.
(Also Interview with Steve McNair)

RB CHRIS BROWN

(on his opinion of the addition of Travis Henry?)

It certainly gives us more depth at running back. Anyone who helps us win, I am down with that.

(on how he sees the carries being broken down?)

I don’t make that call. It is up to the head coach as to who plays. I will respect whatever decision Coach Fisher makes. My job is to go out and play when my number is called.

(on if he has ever been in a system where he had to split carries?)

Sure. At Colorado my sophomore year, we had four quality running backs that all got carries and it went great. We were all on the same page trying to win football games and we didn’t have any problems.

QB STEVE McNAIR

(on adding Travis Henry?)

It is good. You need to have two good running backs in this league especially with the physical punishment those guys take. Both of these guys are quality players and they are both going to help us win games.

(on what he thinks Henry brings to the team?)

I think he is a short but powerful runner with great quickness. I think the combination that the two of them give us is great, it gives us a lot of versatility in our schemes because they do different things well.

(on if he sees a situation where two guys can be happy splitting carries?)

I think so. I think the days of 36 carries for one guy may be gone. It may make sense to have two guys get 18-20 carries instead, and keep them both fresh to avoid the wear and tear of a long season. You have seen a number of teams be successful with two backs, like a Pittsburgh or Carolina. I think they will both be very involved in the offense and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are both on the field in the same backfield from time to time. I look forward to seeing those two guys together in camp carrying the ball.

(Courtesy Titansonline.com

TheRealBigTimer · #4 07-20-2005, 07:02 PM

And I would like to add is the Problem with Brown is his versatility, BUT, if you think of it this would work out well for Tennessee, Brown wont take as many hits, and if he does, Travis Henry can run the ball and vice versa.

coolh · #5 07-20-2005, 07:27 PM

I think it is a good choice for the Titans with both Brown and Henry on the roster will be good running game. Brown Averaged about 4 yards a carry and 1,000 yard season. Plus, Henry 2 years removed from a Back to back 1,000 yard seasons. Norm Chow is probly tryin to keep all the drool hitting the floor with 2 good running backs.

TheRealBigTimer · #6 07-20-2005, 07:34 PM

4.85 YPC for Chris Brown last year, it would be foolish to allow that to go at the end of the season.

dre_clarke · #7 07-20-2005, 07:36 PM

I don't think the Titans are thinking about what happens after this season yet. They have a talented young back that can't stay healthy (Brown), and a proven 1,000 yd rusher (Henry).

Chow will use both of them fairly regularly as long as they are healthy. Personally, I don't think I'd like to have either one of them as a feature back, but they should be a good tandem.

A possible speedbump down the road is the incentive-based contract Henry signed. It seems like a great idea at first. But, if Brown stays healthy and plays well, even if it's not as well as Henry, why would TEN hand over the reigns to Henry and be forced to pay him like a starting RB.

There may be another angry RB by the end of the season.

porky88 · #8 07-20-2005, 07:48 PM

College is different than the NFL and I doubt Chow gives them the ball equally or even close.

As for McNair's and Brown's comments. Of course they will say that. What do you expect Brown to say this is a BS trade. NO i doubt he says that.

Brown will be a great 3rd down back this year but I don't think they bench Henry. A 3rd rnd pick and he is a proven 1000 yard rusher back to back. Brown will most likely be gone at the end of the year.

TheRealBigTimer · #9 07-20-2005, 08:13 PM

No, you are right Brown would not come out and say that because it would cause problems within the orginization. You think Tennessee wants to take Chris Brown right now and just drop him at the end of the season when he has mass potential that can be used with Travis Henry? I guarantee you, if they do try a dual rushing attack this season that amasses enough yardage, Brown will be back next year.

porky88 · #10 07-20-2005, 09:28 PM

I don't think the Titans want to drop Brown but is Brown going to want to play a 2nd tier role. I doubt that. Thats why he will request to get cut or traded. I don't think he wants to be a backup RB or a 3rd down back like I think they will use him.