NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- There will be no changing of the guard in the Tennessee Titans' backfield this season.

Public sentiment has grown for the more productive Derrick Henry to become the No. 1 running back with DeMarco Murray shifting into more of a third-down and receiving back role. Titans coach Mike Mularkey nipped that in the bud Thursday, saying he anticipates Murray and Henry to remain a one-two punch with the veteran back likely remaining the designated starter.

"It's worked out just fine. I think we have two starters," Mularkey said. "If somebody wants to line up on the first play of the game to justify this guy as a starter, that's not something we're worried about. They're both really good at what they do."

Their 2017 numbers paint a different picture. The Titans' run game has struggled primarily because of an offensive line that has taken a step back this season. But I made an argument earlier this week that Henry -- and his outside running style -- is the best option to navigate out of blown-up plays the Titans often face.

Among the 45 NFL running backs with at least 70 carries going into Week 13, Henry is second in yards after contact, averaging 2.76 yards per carry. Murray is 44th, averaging 1.43 yards after contact.

Despite 15 fewer carries, Henry is the Titans' leading rusher with 520 yards on 4.6 yards per carry. Murray has 452 rushing yards for an average of 3.5 yards per carry.

Murray has played 472 (66 percent) of the Titans' 2017 offensive snaps. Henry has 272 or (38 percent) of the reps. Mularkey's "two starters" mention is a little different than his conviction earlier this season in saying "DeMarco's our guy." Henry said he's not worried about who starts.

It might be hard to give up on Murray, who led the AFC in rushing last season. This season, injuries appear to have sapped him of his burst. In the Titans' four games since the bye week, Murray has 43 carries for 80 yards (1.9 yards per carry). Henry has 39 carries for 189 yards (4.8 yards per carry).

The advantage Murray holds over Henry is his experience and receiving and pass-blocking ability. Henry has improved in each area but has had some struggles in the latter two that make Murray important, even though his running game struggles. Murray has 31 receptions for 225 yards. Henry has seven catches for 55 yards.

Henry also has a natural tendency -- for better or worse -- to bounce plays to the outside. One of Henry's best skills is getting outside and making defenders miss in the open field. He has a unique elusiveness and quickness for someone his size.

"Half of the outside runs are designed, half were him. Half of the half, there were some holes he could have hit inside, as well," Mularkey said. "He's such a big body that people don't think he can get outside and beat smaller guys, but he's got the speed to do that."

The Titans aren't planning to flip their identity, so the hope is the offensive line sustains its blocks a little longer and the Murray-Henry tandem continues trucking on.