Baltimore Ravens fans were thrilled when the team signed free agent running back Derrick Henry in the offseason. Even after leading the league in rushing last year, adding Henry was seen as a major upgrade to the ground game—a testament to his dominance.
Brought in to add power and explosiveness to the backfield alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson, Henry was expected to complement Jackson’s agility and quickness with his bruising style of play. On paper, the Ravens looked set to have one of the NFL’s most dangerous rushing attacks, positioning them as serious Super Bowl contenders.
However, things haven’t quite clicked yet. The anticipated synergy between Jackson and Henry hasn’t materialized, and the offense has been frustratingly inconsistent. The run game, once feared, now feels predictable and lacks the spark it needs.
But as the Ravens prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3, there’s a golden opportunity to get things back on track. With Dallas defensive tackle Mazi Smith potentially sidelined, Baltimore could be in prime position to exploit a key weakness in the Cowboys’ defense.
The Ravens need to rely on their run game to beat the Cowboys
Through the first two weeks, the Cowboys’ interior defensive line has been one of the worst in the league. According to Pro Football Focus, Mazi Smith, Jordan Phillips, and Linval Joseph have all earned some of the lowest grades in their position. Smith, a first-round pick last year and Dallas’ starting nose tackle, has played more snaps than either Phillips or Joseph but hasn’t been particularly impressive.
Smith showed flashes of potential against the Browns with his explosiveness and power but remains a work in progress. Now, with Phillips on IR and Smith’s status uncertain, the Cowboys may be forced to lean heavily on Carlos Watkins, a former Washington Commanders practice squad player. That spells trouble for a defensive line that has already struggled, especially with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry coming to town.
Something to keep an eye on. DT Mazi Smith had his back tighten up in practice. Cowboys need their tackles this week. Ceedee and Diggs I’m told should be ok #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/uL8z2MtD5z
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 18, 2024
The Cowboys’ defensive interior has been gashed on the ground, giving up 141.5 rushing yards per game. That’s a concerning stat, made worse by last week’s performance against the New Orleans Saints. Running back Alvin Kamara, who hadn’t rushed for over 100 yards since Week 5 of 2022, ran for 115 yards against Dallas. If the Cowboys couldn’t stop Kamara, they’re going to have a tough time containing Derrick Henry.
For Baltimore, this is the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate their ground game. With Mazi Smith possibly out, the Ravens need to pound the ball and wear down an already vulnerable Cowboys front. This is exactly why Henry was brought in—to physically dominate and control games. The Ravens can’t afford to miss out on this chance, especially with tough matchups against the Bills and Bengals looming.
Ultimately, the key to a Ravens victory lies in how well offensive coordinator Todd Monken leans into the running game. The formula is there, and Baltimore has all the tools to exploit the Cowboys’ defensive interior. For a team sitting at 0-2, this is a must-win situation. Leaving Dallas with another loss could send their season into a tailspin.
If Mazi Smith is unable to suit up, the Ravens should unleash Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson on the ground, wearing down the Cowboys until they take full control of the game. The path to victory is clear—it’s time for Baltimore to run with it.