To (just about) no one's surprise, Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is playing very well in Baltimore. The Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson tandem is taking the league by storm, firmly placing the Ravens in first place in rushing yards per game.
The most impressive part about Henry's ascension with Baltimore is that he wasn't necessarily all that impactful the first two games of his Ravens tenure. Through those first two weeks, Henry had 130 rushing yards on 31 carries and two touchdowns. Not bad, but not 'most impactful offseason addition' worthy.
In Week 3, Henry left no doubts about his integration into Baltimore’s scheme. Henry, fueled by the Dallas Cowboys' free agency snub, ran all over the Cowboys. It was his indoctrination into Ravens lore and the team hasn't turned back since. He gashed the Cowboys for 151 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Henry’s ability to take over games was further on display in the Ravens’ Sunday Night Football victory. Setting a franchise record with an 87-yard touchdown run against the Bills, he demonstrated why his acquisition has been nothing short of a game-changer. Henry finished that game with 199 rushing yards, leaving even Lamar Jackson in awe during the post-game interview, joking about almost cursing on-air as he marveled at Henry's speed and power.
Whether he's bulldozing through tacklers or breaking away for long runs, Henry has added a new dimension to Baltimore’s offense. His performances have made the Ravens’ offense near unstoppable, bringing balance and unpredictability to a unit that was already dangerous.
Derrick Henry is the NFL's most impactful addition
Dan Graziano of ESPN explains Henry's inclusion, "Yeah, it feels like it was a long time ago when we were watching the Ravens lose their first two games and wondering whether they would figure out how to use Henry. Now he's running for 87-yard touchdowns on their first play from scrimmage. It's hard to overstate the impact he has had."
Dan Graziano’s assessment only confirms what Ravens fans have witnessed since Henry hit his stride: he's not only the most impactful offseason addition but he’s also redefined Baltimore’s offensive ceiling. With Henry and Jackson leading the charge, the Ravens now possess a terrifying dual-threat attack that has opponents scrambling for answers.
King Henry at the top of the list 👑 @FedEx pic.twitter.com/BDTEtC2UOd
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2024
Henry has literally transformed the Ravens' offense. While they weren't anemic by any means against the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively, they weren't this dominant either.
Looking forward, Henry’s continued success will be critical as the Ravens prepare for tougher opponents down the stretch. It’s no longer a matter of if Henry will perform—it’s about how dominant he’ll be. The Ravens' rushing attack is back to its terrifying best, and as ESPN and Ravens fans alike agree, Derrick Henry is the driving force behind it.