Henry Turns In Big Performance In Primetime
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Hunter Henry continued to prove why he was the top tight end taken in the 2016 NFL Draft Thursday night on the NFL Network. Starting his fifth straight game, Henry was quarterback Philip Rivers’ main target in the Chargers’ 21-13 win against the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.
Henry led all receivers in the game, catching six of his eight targets and averaging just under 14.0 yards per catch. Five of his six catches, including the touchdown, came in the first half to help San Diego jump out to a 10-3 lead. For the game, Henry’s six receptions resulted in 83 yards.
Hunter Henry Highlights: Chargers vs. Broncos
All of his totals in the game were new season highs and his numbers have improved over each of the last four weeks. It was also his third straight game with a touchdown grab, making him one of two tight ends and one of six pass catchers in the NFL to achieve that feat this season. It’s the longest streak by a San Diego player since Antonio Gates in 2014 and longest by a rookie in the NFL since the same season.
Including his 5-yard score last night against the Broncos, each of Henry’s three touchdowns have come in the red zone and he currently leads the team in touchdown catches. He’s also the only rookie among wide receivers, running backs and tight ends with three touchdown catches this season.
Henry also continued to improve on his play making ability as five of his six catches went for either a touchdown or a first down. So far this year, Henry has racked up 16 first downs on his 19 catches, which ranks fourth among tight ends and first among rookies.
He also added two more catches of 20 yards or more, giving him six for the season, which is good for tie for 14th among all players, fourth among tight ends and first among rookies. Only Henry, Delanie Walker and Greg Olsen have six or more catches for 20+ yards this year.
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