Game Recognizes Game: Derrick Henry says Nick Chubb is best in the NFL

The debate on who is the best running back in the NFL is a fascinating one, but according to Derrick Henry, it’s not him, it’s Nick Chubb. 

Who is the best running back in the NFL? Well, that depends on who you ask. Most of the Cleveland Browns fan base will laugh at you and say it’s clearly Nick Chubb. Others will say it is Tennesee Titans stud back, Derrick Henry. Those are the two general consensus names to say when asked the question.

According to Henry, it is not him, but instead, his answer is Chubb. Sunday Night Football’s lead announcer, Mike Tirico asked Henry “How is the best running back in the NFL?” and Henry replied with Chubb as his pick for the often debated question. Game recognizes game and this is one of the highest compliments Chubb could get.

Now, while these two are the consensus answers, it is all opinion-based. Nobody is right or wrong unless, of course, you use stats to kill opinions. Shoutout to Wale for that line.

Henry possesses something that Chubb does not; an NFL rushing title. In fact, Henry has two, whereas Chubb has finished second twice in the last three years. Ironically, after eight games played for both this season, Henry leads Chubb 870-841 in yards, but Chubb also just had his bye week. Chubb does hold a 10-9 rushing touchdown advantage, though.

Both of these backs are setting franchise records, which is hard to believe as they’re following in the footsteps of greatness in Earl Campbell and Jim Brown, two Hall of Famers and two of the best to ever do it. Speaking of Campbell, Henry just passed him as the franchise rushing touchdown leader with his second score against the Chiefs in Sunday’s 20-17 loss.

Chubb joined some elite company back in Week 7 when he rushed for his eighth touchdown of the season, joining the likes of Brown, Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Adrian Peterson as the only players in NFL history to rush for at least eight touchdowns in each of their first five seasons.

One thing fans constantly overlook is the number of touches the two-backs get per season. Henry has had more rushes in every season they’ve both been in the league, minus last year when Henry missed nine games due to injury. Even then, Chubb only had nine more carries in six more games.

A lot of Browns fans will want Chubb to rush 40 times a game and run him into the ground. That’s simply not sustainable as history has shown. A major difference in their touches relies on the schemes of their teams. The Titans are heavily reliant on Henry, whereas the Browns will mix it up with the passing game, and that will be especially true when Deshaun Watson makes his debut in a month.

Both of these running backs are elite in today’s game, which is more pass-happy than ever before. Whoever you think is the best, is your opinion, and you’re right unless you want to use stats and accolades. Enjoy these two premier backs while you can, as we might not see two dominant backs quite like them again.