The Tennessee Titans know exactly what awaits them when Derrick Henry returns to the field against his former team. That familiarity, however, does not make the Baltimore Ravens’ powerful running back any easier to tackle.
Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons offered a direct assessment of the assignment as Tennessee prepared to face Baltimore in Week 4. His plan for defending Henry was characteristically uncomplicated.
“Nothing changes with Derrick,” Simmons said. “He’s a big back. Hit his ass.”
The comment was blunt, but Simmons also made clear he meant it with respect for his former teammate.
“Derrick puts his pads on like any other running back,” Simmons said. “Much respect to Derrick, but we can’t overcomplicate the game. Just play football.”
Simmons’ remarks perfectly frame the challenge confronting Tennessee. Defenders cannot afford to become intimidated by Henry’s reputation, but treating him like an ordinary runner can become dangerous once the game begins.
#Titans Jeffery Simmons: Nothing changes with Derrick. He's a big back, Hit his ass. We went vs Skatebo 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.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 30, 2026
Jeffery Simmons on Derrick Henry's leadership pic.twitter.com/EWJFGAfSn5
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 30, 2026
Through three games, Henry has rushed for 301 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. He leads a Baltimore rushing attack that has accumulated 502 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry. Those numbers illustrate why Tennessee’s approach must extend beyond simply matching Henry’s physicality. The Titans will need disciplined run fits, multiple defenders pursuing the football and sound tackling at the point of contact. Allowing Henry to reach the secondary with momentum could turn routine carries into explosive gains.
Simmons has seen that formula work from the other side. The two were teammates in Tennessee for five seasons, giving the defensive tackle an intimate understanding of Henry’s running style, preparation, and ability to wear down a defense. That history makes the matchup one of Week 4’s most compelling individual battles. Simmons will be responsible for disrupting Baltimore’s blocking structure before Henry can build speed, while Henry will attempt to punish a familiar defense between the tackles.
For Baltimore, the quote should not require any additional motivation. Henry has spent his career encountering defenses determined to prove they can match his physical style. He has also routinely made those challenges look easier in September than they do after four quarters of contact.
The Ravens should expect Tennessee to crowd the line of scrimmage and force Lamar Jackson to attack elsewhere. That strategy carries its own risks. Jackson has thrown for 745 yards with four touchdowns and a 113.1 passer rating while adding 124 rushing yards through three games. Baltimore’s option game also prevents defenders from committing entirely to Henry. One incorrect read can open a running lane for Jackson, while too much attention inside can create favorable opportunities for Zay Flowers and the Ravens’ play-action passing game.
Simmons is correct about one thing: Tennessee cannot make the matchup bigger than it is. The Titans must maintain their assignments, rally to the football, and finish tackles.
Knowing what Henry intends to do has never been hard. Stopping him has been.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jeffery Simmons explains Titans’ simple plan for stopping Derrick Henry
