09-03-2021, 11:39 AM
Chris Henry only had 12 receptions over the first 8 games of 2009. But when he was lost to injury our entire passing game collapsed.
Pass game rankings with Henry
18th in yards (only 25 from being in top half of league)
12th in passer rating
9th in tds
Ranking in 8 games without Henry
30th in yards
21st in rating
27th in tds
And the Bengals played against much tougher defenses the first 8 games than they did the second half of the season. So the difference is actually even greater than it appears.
Just the presence of a deep threat can open up the passing game for other receivers.
Pass game rankings with Henry
18th in yards (only 25 from being in top half of league)
12th in passer rating
9th in tds
Ranking in 8 games without Henry
30th in yards
21st in rating
27th in tds
And the Bengals played against much tougher defenses the first 8 games than they did the second half of the season. So the difference is actually even greater than it appears.
Just the presence of a deep threat can open up the passing game for other receivers.
