Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Giants' DC Wink Martindale: Derrick Henry is 'like our modern-day Jim Brown'

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/7/22

The New York Giants open the 2022 campaign this Sunday on the road, taking on the defending AFC South Division champion Tennesee Titans.

If the Giants hope to come away with a Week 1 victory, they know stopping Titans running back Derrick Henry is paramount.

On Wednesday, Giants' new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale spoke glowingly about Henry, even comparing him to an all-time great.

"There's a reason why they call Derrick Henry 'King' — because he's on the Iron Throne," Martindale told reporters. "He's like our modern-day Jim Brown. He's just that much different."

Giants DC ‘Wink’ Martindale: “There’s a reason why they call (Titans RB) Derrick Henry ‘King’ — because he’s on the Iron Throne. … He's like our modern-day Jim Brown. He's just that much different." pic.twitter.com/YHI3XdPR0c
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) September 7, 2022

Due to injury, Henry played in only eight regular-season games last season for the Titans. Henry finished with 937 rushing yards and ten touchdowns with 18 receptions for 154 yards. The 28-year-old averaged 4.3 yards per carry last season, his lowest since 2017, despite carrying the ball over 27 times a game.

Seeking an extension or revised contract this summer, Henry and the Titans agreed to a reworking of his deal last week. Henry is due to make $14 million this season, making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL, ahead of Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott, who will make $12.4 million in 2022.

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