Derrick Henry’s “Run It Back” Mentality: A Game-Changer for the Ravens?
After a hard-fought and bitterly disappointing playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, many would expect the Baltimore Ravens to come back stronger next season, whether that means improving their defense, fine-tuning Lamar Jackson’s passing game, or enhancing their offensive line. However, the biggest bombshell could come not from the front office focusing on improving around Lamar Jackson, but from a high-profile addition that could reshape their offense: Derrick Henry.
Following years of dominance with the Tennessee Titans, Henry, known for his bruising, physical style of play and unparalleled ability to break tackles, is apparently prepared to “run it back” with the Ravens. Although this is purely speculative, imagining Henry’s potential impact on a Ravens team that is already known for its ground game is tantalizing. To truly grasp the gravity of such a move, one must consider how Derrick Henry’s presence would fit into Baltimore’s offensive system, the ripple effect on the league, and how this could finally put the Ravens in position to compete for the elusive Super Bowl title.
The Ravens’ Identity: A Ground-and-Pound Offense
To understand the excitement around Henry possibly joining the Ravens, it’s important to first recognize the team’s identity. The Ravens have built their offensive system around the run game ever since Lamar Jackson took over as the starting quarterback. Under offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Baltimore has led the NFL in rushing yards per game for multiple seasons. Lamar Jackson is a dual-threat quarterback who poses a serious rushing threat himself, and with running backs like J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and others, the Ravens have been able to establish one of the most potent ground games in the league.
However, despite this success, one of the major criticisms of the Ravens’ offense is its lack of balance. Jackson’s passing game has often been under scrutiny, and while he has shown flashes of brilliance, the passing attack has not consistently been elite. Adding a player of Derrick Henry’s caliber would immediately shift the conversation and the dynamic of the Ravens’ offense.
Derrick Henry’s Fit With the Ravens
Derrick Henry has become a household name in the NFL because of his consistent ability to dominate on the ground. As the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2020 and a multiple-time All-Pro, Henry’s combination of size (6’3” and 247 pounds), speed, and sheer power is unmatched. Even after a foot injury in 2021 that caused him to miss several games, Henry returned to form in 2022, proving that his body could withstand the immense workload that his team demands of him.
In a Ravens uniform, Henry would provide another dynamic weapon in the backfield alongside Lamar Jackson. The Ravens already run a heavy zone-blocking scheme that thrives on creating cut-back lanes and allowing their running backs to find holes, and Henry would fit right in. But what makes Henry different from other running backs in the NFL is his rare ability to punish defenders who attempt to tackle him head-on. He can break arm tackles with ease and, when he hits the second level, he has the speed to outrun defenders to the end zone. The Ravens’ system already produces high rushing totals; imagine the added dimension of having Henry’s 6-foot-3, 247-pound frame running behind a talented offensive line, with defenders knowing that if they don’t bring their best form of tackling, they’ll pay for it.
Additionally, Henry’s ability to wear down defenses as the game progresses would align perfectly with Baltimore’s strategy. We’ve seen time and time again how Henry’s dominance in the latter stages of games allows his offense to control the clock, tire out opposing defenses, and finish games strong. That same kind of late-game dominance could easily transfer to the Ravens, who have a history of running down the clock with a lead. The thought of Henry and Jackson, two of the most dynamic playmakers in the league, together in the same backfield is enough to make defensive coordinators across the NFL break into a cold sweat.
Impact on the Ravens’ Playoff Chances
Following their loss to the Bills, the Ravens are no strangers to playoff heartbreak. Despite boasting a talented roster and one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Baltimore has not been able to capture the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship since their 2012 victory. A player like Derrick Henry could provide the missing ingredient to vault the Ravens from perennial playoff contender to serious championship contender.
As it stands, the Ravens have not had a reliable, workhorse running back during Lamar Jackson’s tenure. J.K. Dobbins has shown flashes of promise, but injuries have hindered his consistency. The addition of Henry would give Baltimore the kind of elite back that would allow them to fully dominate the clock, control tempo, and wear out opposing defenses. If the Ravens can stay healthy and put together an offensive game plan that combines Jackson’s mobility with Henry’s punishing running style, they’d have an offense capable of overpowering almost anyone.
Furthermore, adding Henry would relieve some of the pressure on Lamar Jackson to carry the entire offense. Jackson’s best years have come when the Ravens have had a balanced offensive attack that includes a productive running game. With Henry in the fold, Baltimore would no longer be as reliant on Jackson’s legs to pick up yards on the ground. This could also help Jackson’s development as a passer, as defenses would have to respect both the run and the pass, opening up more opportunities for him to hit his targets in the passing game.
The Ripple Effect on the AFC Landscape
The AFC is already one of the most competitive conferences in the NFL, with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals all vying for supremacy. The addition of Derrick Henry to the Ravens would dramatically shift the power dynamics within the AFC. Suddenly, Baltimore’s offense would become one of the most feared in the league, capable of dominating both in the air and on the ground.
For teams like the Bills and Chiefs, the Ravens’ offense would present a unique challenge. The Bills, in particular, have struggled in the past to stop power-running teams, and Henry’s presence in the AFC could give the Ravens an edge in a potential playoff rematch. The Chiefs have built their success around their high-powered offense, but a ground-and-pound attack from the Ravens would help limit the Chiefs’ possessions and put pressure on their defense. The addition of Henry would force opposing teams to adjust their strategies in ways they haven’t had to before, making the Ravens a dangerous matchup in the postseason.
What Would This Mean for the Tennessee Titans?
From the Titans’ perspective, the loss of Derrick Henry would be a massive blow. He has been the face of their offense for years and a major reason they’ve been able to compete at a high level. Losing Henry would leave a significant gap in the running back room, and the Titans would likely need to find a way to replace him, whether that means drafting a running back or looking to free agency. However, it’s worth noting that the Titans’ offense has still been capable without Henry in the lineup. The team’s general approach would likely shift, but they could still remain competitive with a new identity built around quarterback Ryan Tannehill and a committee approach in the backfield.
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