The Ravens Can Rattle Bones in the Playoffs with Derrick Henry

The NFL playoffs are a stage where legends are made, where teams who excel in the regular season can either live up to their expectations or fall short. When it comes to combining talent with postseason pedigree, a team like the Baltimore Ravens, known for their formidable defense and explosive offense, has the potential to be a serious threat in January and beyond. One crucial piece of the puzzle could be a game-changer like Derrick Henry, the dynamic running back who can single-handedly dictate the flow of a game.

In this article, we’ll explore how the Baltimore Ravens, with the addition of a player like Derrick Henry, could rattle the bones of opposing defenses in the playoffs, making them an even more dangerous contender for the Lombardi Trophy.

The Importance of the Running Game in the NFL Playoffs

Historically, playoff football has often been defined by the ability to control the clock and impose one’s will physically on the opposition. While modern NFL offenses tend to emphasize passing and spreading the field, especially in the regular season, the playoffs are a different beast. The games tend to be more physical, with defenses tightening up and conditions often working against fast-paced passing offenses. Running backs who can dominate in this environment are valued highly, as they allow a team to control the tempo of the game, maintain possession, and wear down opposing defenses.

The Ravens, already a team that relies on a strong running game led by quarterback Lamar Jackson and their talented backfield, would greatly benefit from adding a player like Derrick Henry. Henry is no ordinary back; he is a force of nature, capable of taking over games with his combination of size, strength, and speed. In the playoffs, where every possession counts, a back like Henry would allow the Ravens to dominate the line of scrimmage, frustrate opposing defenses, and put the game into a position where Jackson and the offense could thrive.

Derrick Henry’s Playoff Pedigree

Derrick Henry is no stranger to the playoffs. In his time with the Tennessee Titans, he proved to be a postseason weapon, known for his ability to carry a team on his back when the stakes are highest. Henry has posted remarkable performances in the playoffs, including his 2020 run where he rushed for 195 yards and a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round. His ability to break tackles, churn out yards after contact, and deliver in crucial moments made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

What makes Henry so effective in the postseason is his ability to take over a game physically. Playoff defenses are usually well-prepared, and offenses are expected to be more methodical and precise. Henry, however, is the type of back who can break through even the most disciplined defensive fronts. His unique blend of power and speed allows him to wear down opposing defenses over the course of the game, especially as the physicality of the postseason begins to take its toll.

For the Ravens, who have experienced early playoff exits in recent seasons, adding a player like Henry could provide the necessary edge. His presence on the field would make it even more difficult for opponents to key in on Lamar Jackson’s running ability. Imagine the dual threat of Henry pounding the ball between the tackles while Jackson operates in the read-option, capable of breaking off big runs himself. This one-two punch would be nearly impossible for any defense to contain, giving the Ravens a significant advantage.

Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry: A Nightmare Duo

The synergy between Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry could be terrifying for any defense. Jackson, one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, already has a history of making plays with his legs. His ability to read the defense and make quick decisions on the run is a hallmark of his style. Add in Henry, and suddenly the Ravens would have two of the most dangerous rushing threats in the league, each capable of making game-changing plays.

Jackson’s threat as a runner forces defenders to stay disciplined, as he can take off at any moment and pick up huge chunks of yards. The presence of Derrick Henry, however, adds an additional layer of pressure. With Henry on the field, defenses can no longer simply focus on stopping Jackson; they have to worry about a battering ram of a back capable of picking up 5-7 yards per carry. The Ravens could run a variety of offensive schemes—option runs, power runs, and play-action passes—all designed to exploit the defense’s weaknesses.

For example, in a read-option scenario, Jackson could read the defense and either hand the ball off to Henry or keep it himself. Defenders would be forced to hesitate, unsure whether to pursue Jackson or stack the box to stop Henry. Either way, the Ravens would have the advantage in these situations.

Additionally, Henry’s ability to break off long runs, even late in games, would keep the defense on its heels. In the playoffs, where games are often decided in the second half or even in the fourth quarter, Henry’s fresh legs could be the difference-maker. As defenses wear down over the course of a game, Henry’s power and stamina would come into play, potentially wearing down a defense that initially looked solid but is ultimately broken by his relentless style of running.

Balancing the Offense and Defense

One of the reasons the Ravens have been a perennial playoff team in recent years is their defense. The Ravens’ defense, led by stars like linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Marcus Williams, has consistently been among the league’s best. They are known for their physicality, ability to stop the run, and their opportunistic playmaking.

However, when it comes to playoff football, the offense must complement the defense. With the addition of Derrick Henry, the Ravens would be able to balance their offense in a way that would take pressure off their defense. With Henry controlling the clock and wearing down opposing defenses, the Ravens’ defense would have the chance to rest, recuperate, and remain sharp. This dynamic would be especially important late in games when fatigue sets in and big plays become more likely.

Moreover, with Henry on the field, Jackson would have the ability to take advantage of play-action passing. Defenses would be more likely to bite on play-action fakes, leaving wide receivers like Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman with more opportunities for big plays. Jackson, who has proven capable of making deep throws and accurate passes, would have ample opportunity to exploit this.

The Playoff Mentality: Derrick Henry’s Ability to Handle Pressure

One of the most important traits that Henry possesses, which would serve the Ravens well in the postseason, is his ability to handle the immense pressure of playoff football. Many great players can excel in the regular season but struggle when the stakes are raised in the playoffs. Henry, however, has shown time and again that he thrives under pressure. His consistent playoff performances speak to his mental toughness and his ability to execute when the lights are brightest.

This mentality is critical for a team like the Ravens, who have experienced both highs and lows in the playoffs over the past few years. The addition of a player who is not only physically gifted but also mentally tough could help anchor the Ravens in critical playoff moments. Whether it’s picking up a critical first down late in a game, wearing down a tired defense, or powering through a key touchdown run, Henry has the ability to rise to the occasion.