The Tennessee Titans are searching for answers as they enter Week 4. They are still looking for their first win. One of their biggest problems comes in the form of a familiar face. Tennessee travels to M&T Bank Stadium to face the Baltimore Ravens and former Titans superstar Derrick Henry. His combination of size, power, and momentum has made him one of the NFL’s most punishing runners. Jeffery Simmons, though, is not interested in making the challenge more complicated than it needs to be.
Asked how Tennessee plans to deal with Henry in the open field, Simmons offered a blunt three-word solution: “Hit his ass.” The Titans defensive tackle knows Henry well after spending five seasons alongside him in Nashville. However, he stressed that Tennessee cannot afford to overthink the matchup.
Article Continues Below“Nothing changes with Derrick,” Simmons told reporters. “He's a big back. Hit his ass. We went vs. [Cam] Skattebo last week, he tried to run people over. Derrick puts his pads on like any other RB. Much respect to Derrick, but we can't overcomplicate the game, just play football.”
That physical mindset will be crucial for a Titans team entering Baltimore at 0–3. Tennessee opened the season with a 23–10 loss to the New York Jets. They followed it with a 24–20 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. Tennessee then fell 12–7 to the New York Giants. Gus Bradley’s defense has kept games competitive. They rank 10th in scoring defense while allowing fewer than 20 points per game. That said, the offense has averaged just 12.3 points, 30th in the NFL. With Tennessee desperately needing its first victory, Simmons knows stopping Henry starts with one simple message.