The Baltimore Ravens’ 2024 season didn’t end how anyone in Baltimore wanted, but if there’s one thing Ravens fans can hang their hat on, it’s this: Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry were an absolute offensive gauntlet for opposing defenses. The league was put on notice, as both studs have been named finalists for some of the NFL’s top honors.
Jackson, already a two-time MVP, is up for the award again after putting up one of the best seasons of his—or anyone's—career. Meanwhile, both Jackson and Henry are finalists for Offensive Player of the Year. With both players powering one of the league’s most electric offenses, it’s hard to argue against either being in the conversation.
The finalists for AP Most Valuable Player presented by @Invisalign! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/bcemPLMfjo
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
The finalists for AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by @surface! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/N5kcta7tkM
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
It’s been a rough couple of days since the playoff loss to Buffalo, but this recognition is a reminder of what Baltimore has in its two superstars and that better days are on the way. Hopefully soon. Like, next season soon.
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry named AP award finalists
Lamar Jackson’s season was an absolute masterpiece. He led the league in passer rating (119.6) while throwing for a career-high 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns. His four interceptions? Just a cherry on top of one of the most efficient seasons ever. Ever.
Oh, and don’t forget his 915 rushing yards—breaking Mike Vick's record for most rushing yards for a QB. This wasn’t just MVP-worthy—it was generational.
Then there’s Derrick Henry, who proved age is just a number. At 31, he steamrolled defenses for 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. It was vintage King Henry, and pairing him with Jackson created an offense that gave defensive coordinators literal nightmares. Baltimore had defenses guessing all season, and the Jackson-Henry duo was the reason why.
Both players are locked in for 2025, and Ravens GM Eric DeCosta made it clear he’s thrilled to have Henry back. “I’m just so grateful that Derrick chose us last year,” DeCosta said. “I think Derrick will be a big part of what we’re building next year.” Fans saw what Lamar Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Monken looked like in year two, imagine what Jackson and Henry could look like together in their respective year two together.
For now, we’ll see if Jackson or Henry can bring home some hardware at the NFL Honors on February 6. Either way, 2024 was proof that these two are built to lead Baltimore into the future—and maybe even over that mountain-sized playoff hump next season.