Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, the NFL’s newest rush-attack tandem, should terrorize opposition defenses all season long in 2024.
On the second day of free agency, Derrick Henry, the former Offensive Player of the Year, was signed by the Baltimore Ravens to a two-year, $16 million contract that has incentives worth up to $20 million. After it was rumored that the Tennessee Titans were not interested in extending Henry’s contract, the two became quite close in the weeks before free agency.
The pairing of the league MVP and one of the best running backs of this generation is undoubtedly a showy move that will make headlines. Henry, though, provides much more than just star power; he fundamentally alters the nature of the Ravens’ rushing attack.
The Arrival of King Henry
Henry’s signing gives Baltimore’s rushing attack a new identity
The action suggests a change in the Ravens’ approach to team building. Baltimore’s offense has come to rely on a rushing assault led by a committee of runners.
This strategy was based on the idea that a dynamic rusher like Lamar Jackson at quarterback might have an excellent run game without the need for a real workhorse running back. The Ravens have consistently had one of the top rushing offenses in football, hence this notion has ultimately shown to be correct.
There are benefits to having a dominant runner like Henry, even though Baltimore has shown it doesn’t need an elite back. One reason is that Henry has a talent that the Ravens’ backfield hasn’t had in a long time. If Gus Edwards can be a useful member of the Ravens’ roster, imagine what a player like Henry, who has thrived under less than ideal circumstances, is capable of.
Second, Henry is the kind of back that can dominate contests. His brutal running style has the ability to penetrate defenses. Henry can be considered a one-man army at his best. The Ravens shouldn’t depend too heavily on this, especially during the regular season, but they’ll have it on hand just in case.
Although Henry is most recognized for his abilities as an inside runner, the Ravens have some flexibility because of his success with outside zone concepts. While it’s not as plentiful as it was in 2020, big-play potential is still there.
A Less Demanding Role
Henry won’t receive the excessive workload he did with the Titans
With all that’s been said in regard to Henry’s importance to Baltimore, it’s equally important to discuss what the Ravens do for Henry. There are pros and cons to being the focal point of an offense as a running back. Henry has led the league in carries in four of the last five seasons, with the only exception being in 2021, which saw him miss half of the season with an injury.
Running back aficionados used Henry’s success in Tennessee as a rallying cry for the “running backs still matter” movement. However, this role proved to be exhausting even for the great Henry. The high volume and mediocre offensive line play put all the pressure on him.
As Henry approaches his 30th birthday, a death knell for most running backs, scaling back his workload will be crucial.
Baltimore provides a middle ground. Henry will still hold a vital role in the offense, yet won’t be the heart and soul of the entire team like he was in Tennessee. The threat of Jackson’s legs will make it harder for defenses to key in on Henry, and the Ravens will have a rounded enough offensive attack to get several players involved.
A Good Match
Henry’s addition could make a big difference in 2024
How much Henry still has in the tank is the most important question surrounding this move. His prime began at an age when most backs near the end, so he’s already become somewhat of an outlier. There are concerns associated with his unusually high workload and his aggressive running style.
Having said that, Henry appears to be well worth the risk for a $16 million, two-year contract. The Ravens are still in the running to win the AFC East, and they intend to battle the Chiefs once more. Henry is a win-now player who also has his sights set on winning the Super Bowl.
Among the plethora of running backs that have been signed in the first phases of free agency, Henry and Baltimore seem like a more logical combination. Henry and Jackson together at the backfield will be one of the most formidable duos in football and might elevate the Ravens’ attack to new heights.s.
