Derrick Henry’s debut with the Baltimore Ravens couldn’t have gone much better. His early touchdown and dominant play set the tone for what could be an exciting season in Baltimore
Although the Ravens ultimately faced a tough challenge from the Chiefs, Henry’s impact on the game was undeniable.
As the season progresses, Henry’s role in the Ravens’ offense will only grow. For Baltimore, having a player like Henry gives them a unique advantage in their quest for a Super Bowl title.
Derrick Henry’s move to Baltimore also has massive implications in the world of fantasy football. As one of the top fantasy running backs in recent years, Henry’s production has been elite. Now, in an offense that is built around the run game, fantasy owners are expecting big things from the former Tennessee Titan.
For fantasy managers, Henry’s first touchdown of the season was a welcome sign that he will continue to be a focal point in his new team’s offense.
With Jackson drawing attention away from defenders, Henry could see more open lanes and scoring opportunities this season, making him a must-start in fantasy lineups.
Tools like fantasy football draft software and trade analyzers can help players make smart decisions about when to draft or trade Henry and maximize his value throughout the season.
Also Read: Derrick Henry: Weight, Parents, Career And Net Worth
Table of Contents
Derrick Henry: The Baltimore Ravens’ New Weapon
Derrick Henry’s arrival in Baltimore has breathed new life into the Ravens’ offense. The team has always been known for its strong run game, but the addition of Henry takes it to another level.1
As the Ravens kicked off their 2024 NFL season against the Kansas City Chiefs, Henry wasted no time showing why he was such a valuable offseason acquisition. His touchdown in the first quarter was not just a score—it was a statement.
The run, a handoff from star quarterback Lamar Jackson, demonstrated Henry’s blend of speed and power as he bolted through the Chiefs’ defense, leaving them trailing in his wake.
Henry’s run sparked excitement, not just among his teammates but also within the Ravens’ fanbase, who have longed for a dominant runner to pair with Jackson’s unique dual-threat ability. The buzz around the team is that this partnership could be the missing piece in the Ravens’ Super Bowl puzzle.
Ravens Fans Erupt with Excitement
When Derrick Henry made his first touchdown as a Raven, it wasn’t just the on-field players who erupted in celebration—the Ravens’ fanbase lit up social media with excitement. Fans of Baltimore have been waiting for a star like Henry to bring a dynamic element to their already strong running game.
Online, the responses were passionate and optimistic. “This is going to be hard to stop!” one fan exclaimed, alluding to the challenge opposing defenses will face when trying to contain both Jackson and Henry on the ground.
Another fan was more direct in their enthusiasm, shouting, “BEAT THE CHIEFS!!!!!” And the excitement didn’t stop there. A particularly bold fan declared, “THE KING WILL GET HIS RING,” referencing Henry’s long-standing nickname, “King Henry,” and his pursuit of a Super Bowl title.
Baltimore, a city known for its passionate sports culture, has high hopes that Henry can help bring home another championship. With Henry running behind an already stout offensive line and paired with Jackson’s electric playmaking ability, Ravens fans believe this season could be special.
Xavier Worthy: The Chiefs’ Response
While the Ravens may have drawn first blood, the Kansas City Chiefs were quick to answer. Just three minutes after Henry’s touchdown, rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy announced his arrival on the NFL stage with a 21-yard rushing touchdown of his own.
Worthy, known for his breakneck speed and impressive agility, had been turning heads throughout training camp, but this touchdown cemented his place as a potential star in the Chiefs’ offense.
The play showed the versatility that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has been known for, using a wide receiver in the run game to catch the Ravens’ defense off guard. Worthy’s touchdown set the tone that this would not be a one-sided affair. The Ravens’ defense, though formidable, would have their hands full containing Kansas City’s explosive offense.
Harrison Butker Takes the Lead
After Worthy’s touchdown, the momentum began to shift in the Chiefs’ favor. Their offense started to find a rhythm, and by the second quarter, they had taken the lead courtesy of a Harrison Butker field goal.
Known as one of the most reliable kickers in the league, Butker’s 38-yard attempt sailed through the uprights, giving Kansas City a 10-7 advantage.
Butker’s kick was a reminder of how dangerous the Chiefs can be, even when they aren’t lighting up the scoreboard with touchdowns. The Ravens, now trailing, were forced to regroup and refocus their strategy for the remainder of the game.
Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson: A Dynamic Duo
Henry’s early touchdown showcased the potential of the Ravens’ new offensive tandem—Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. Both players are explosive, dynamic athletes capable of breaking off long runs at any moment.2
Jackson’s ability to scramble and extend plays puts defenses in a bind, while Henry’s brute strength and vision make him a nightmare for defenders to bring down.
What makes this duo particularly dangerous is the unpredictability of the Ravens’ offense. On any given play, Jackson could either drop back to pass, keep the ball for a run, or hand it off to Henry.
This versatility will force opposing defenses to stay on their toes, constantly guessing who will have the ball and how to stop them.
If the Ravens can continue to build chemistry between these two stars, they have the potential to become one of the most feared offenses in the NFL.
Kansas City’s Defense Struggles to Contain Henry
Despite their lead, Kansas City’s defense found themselves repeatedly challenged by Derrick Henry. Throughout the game, Henry’s physicality and persistence wore down the Chiefs’ defensive line.
Kansas City has struggled in recent years with stopping the run, and Henry’s presence only exacerbated this weakness.
By the second half, the Ravens were leaning heavily on Henry, feeding him the ball in an effort to control the clock and wear out the Chiefs’ defenders. With every carry, Henry appeared more dominant, breaking tackles and gaining tough yards. While the Chiefs managed to contain him at times, they could not fully neutralize the impact that Henry was having on the game.
The Importance of Baltimore’s Ground Game
The Ravens have built their identity around a strong ground game, and Derrick Henry fits perfectly into this system. Baltimore led the NFL in rushing yards in 2019 and 2020, and though they’ve faced injuries in their backfield in recent seasons, the addition of Henry gives them a new level of power and durability.
With Henry, the Ravens can sustain long, grinding drives that keep opposing offenses off the field. This is particularly important against high-powered offenses like the Chiefs. Keeping Patrick Mahomes and his explosive weapons on the sideline is one of the most effective ways to neutralize their scoring ability.
For the Ravens, controlling time of possession through the run game will be a key to success this season, and Henry is the perfect back to help them accomplish that.
Kansas City’s Offensive Depth
While the Ravens were relying on their ground game, the Chiefs were demonstrating the depth of their offensive playmakers. With Xavier Worthy making an early impact, the Chiefs showed that even without former stars like Tyreek Hill, they still have plenty of weapons at their disposal.
Kansas City has built a roster filled with versatile players who can contribute in a variety of ways. Tight end Travis Kelce remains one of the best in the league, while Mahomes has developed chemistry with receivers like Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore. Even their running backs, like Isiah Pacheco, can make plays in both the rushing and passing game.
This offensive depth makes the Chiefs a dangerous team, capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. For the Ravens, containing all of these weapons will require a full team effort and disciplined defensive play.
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Mark Ingram II’s Influence on Derrick Henry’s Decision
- One of the most fascinating aspects of Henry’s decision to join the Ravens was the role played by former Baltimore running back Mark Ingram II.3
- Ingram, like Henry, is a product of Alabama’s prestigious football program and has developed a close relationship with Henry over the years. The two players share not only a school but also a similar running style and a love for the game.
- Ingram’s time in Baltimore from 2019 to 2020 was a period of great success for both the player and the team. His experience with the Ravens was overwhelmingly positive, and he was quick to share this with Henry when the opportunity arose.
- Speaking to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Henry explained that Ingram was a “major proponent” of him joining Baltimore.
- “Everything he said about the organization was great,” Henry said of Ingram’s advice. “I really take his opinions, his advice into consideration. That’s like my big brother.”
- Ingram’s words clearly carried significant weight for Henry, who respects Ingram not just as a former player but as a mentor.
- This bond between the two players highlights the importance of personal connections in the NFL, where relationships and trust can play pivotal roles in career decisions.
I know you gon hold it down as always @GrindSimmons94 🤞🏾💪🏾💪🏾 https://t.co/njaSHon0it
— Derrick Henry (@KingHenry_2) August 25, 2024
The Excitement of Rivalries: Facing the Pittsburgh Steelers
One of the things that excites Derrick Henry the most about joining the Ravens is the prospect of facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Ravens-Steelers rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in the NFL, characterized by physical, hard-nosed football. For Henry, who thrives on contact and physicality, this rivalry presents the kind of challenge he relishes.
“I know the big thing around here is the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they say that you are not a Raven until you beat them,” Henry said in an interview with Yahoo Sports.
Henry’s respect for this rivalry is evident, and he is eager to make his mark in these contests. The first meeting between the Ravens and Steelers in the 2024 season is set for November 17 in Pittsburgh, with a rematch scheduled for December 21 in Baltimore. For Henry, these games will not only be about team pride but also a personal proving ground as he looks to cement his status as a Raven.
Derrick Henry: Fitting Into the Ravens’ System
Derrick Henry’s transition to the Ravens will also require some adjustments. While Baltimore’s offensive system under coordinator Todd Monken is run-heavy, it differs from the system Henry was used to in Tennessee.
In Baltimore, the running game is more diverse, with a greater emphasis on using the quarterback as a running threat and incorporating more zone-read concepts.
For Henry, this may mean adjusting to different blocking schemes and timing with the offensive line. However, given his talent and experience, Henry should be able to adapt quickly.
The Ravens’ coaching staff is also likely to tailor their game plans to Henry’s strengths, ensuring that he gets the opportunity to run downhill and impose his will on opposing defenses.
Derrick Henry: Paid Partnership
Derrick Henry shared his undefeated recovery routine with DrTeals and how it helps to recharge his muscles.
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Aiming for a Championship
- Ultimately, Derrick Henry’s decision to join the Baltimore Ravens is about winning a Super Bowl. At this stage in his career, Henry has accomplished nearly everything a running back can achieve, from rushing titles to Pro Bowl selections.
- The one thing missing from his resume is a Super Bowl ring, and he believes Baltimore gives him the best chance to fill that void.
- With a strong roster, a talented quarterback in Lamar Jackson, and a coaching staff that knows how to win, the Ravens are poised to be serious contenders in the AFC.
- Henry’s addition only strengthens their chances, and if he can stay healthy and productive, he could be the missing piece that pushes Baltimore over the top.
- Derrick Henry’s move to the Baltimore Ravens marks a new chapter in his illustrious NFL career.
- With the guidance of former Raven Mark Ingram II and the appeal of a strong organizational foundation, Henry made the decision to don the purple and black.
- Now, with the excitement of divisional rivalries and the potential for a deep playoff run, Henry is ready to make his mark in Baltimore.
- The 2024 season promises to be an exciting one, both for Henry and the Ravens, as they aim to bring a championship back to Baltimore.
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