It will be a strange sight for the NFL world to see Derrick Henry don a new uniform for the first time in his professional career on Thursday night. The All-Pro running back signed with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency this offseason after spending the first eight years of his career with the Tennessee Titans.
In that time, he led the league in yards twice and attempts four times. He's been a mark of durability and efficiency and now joins a new offense.
He'll line up in the backfield and work alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has speed and a rushing ability to fawn over as well. How it shakes out on the gridiron will tell the story, but the theory of the dual-threat rushing ability between the two of them can definitely make a defense's mind wander to scary places.
Henry's free agency decision was at least in-part influenced by Mark Ingram II, the retired running back who spent two years with Baltimore. Ingram had high praise for the organization, speaking to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer on behalf of Pepsi’s “Make Your Gameday Epic” campaign:
“Everything he said about the organization was great, so you know I really take his opinions, his advice into consideration. That's like my big brother. ... He loved [the Ravens] from top to bottom.”
Much like Ingram handed off Alabama Crimson Tide rushing duties a few years after he departed the college ranks, Henry now follows him to one of his professional stops, too.
The first touchdown of the 2024 NFL season belongs to Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry.
Henry, in his first drive in his first game with the Ravens, finished off Baltimore's 70-yard opening drive with a five-yard rush at the goal line, powering into the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday.
Henry signed a two-year deal with the Ravens back in March. As a former league MVP and two-time NFL rushing leader, Henry joined two-time MVP Lamar Jackson in a Ravens backfield that led the league in rushing in 2023.
The score capped an opening drive heavy on Henry. The drive took 11 plays and spanned 70 yards. Henry carried the ball on five of those plays, tallying 17 rushing yards. It's a likely sign of things to come for a Ravens team that projects to use Henry early and often this season as part of one of the league's most dynamic one-two running punches alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Baltimore scored the touchdown despite an otherwise sloppy opening drive. The Ravens were flagged for three illegal formation penalties en route to the touchdown, but managed to secure three first downs and the touchdown despite the setbacks.
The Ravens' lead didn't last long. Kansas City responded with a quick-strike scoring drive of its own capped by a 21-yard touchdown run from rookie speedster Xavier Worthy on the first touch of his NFL career.
After seven-plus months and a 25-minute weather delay, Thursday's rematch of the AFC championship was off to a scintillating start.
The rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens is the ideal way to kick off a new season. The atmosphere should be electric and energy at a high, with Baltimore seeking some form of payback.
Ravens running back Derrick Henry appeared as a guest on The Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday to discuss his excitement about opening the season with his new team at Arrowhead Stadium.
“It really doesn’t matter whether this home or ways to gotta go suit up and play. But no, it’s no better place to go play, especially, you know, playing the Super Bowl champs going back to back,” said Henry. “Arrowhead is always loud, and they always pack the stadium out, so it’s gonna be a hostile environment. So (there is) no better way to kick off the season than the first game of the season and the Arrowhead night game. It’s gonna be a lot of fun. Can’t wait, for sure.”
Henry is playing his first game with the Ravens after joining in the offseason. He played multiple games, including the playoffs, in Arrowhead Stadium while he was with the Tennessee Titans.
“I (have) been here for a while and got used to that. It’s time to go play,” said Henry. “I’m focused on doing my job in the best possible way so that I can help others win all the other stuff that’s done and over with; time to go play.”
Henry’s Impact on the Ravens’ Offense
Henry’s addition to the Ravens’ offense adds a dynamic element that could make them one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. Henry’s powerful running style, combined with Jackson’s speed and elusiveness, could create a nightmare scenario for opposing defenses.
Henry’s experience in the league, coupled with his knack for finding the end zone, will be a valuable asset for the Ravens. He’s also known for his durability, having played in 103 out of a possible 120 games in his career.
Henry’s Impact on the Ravens’ Offense
Henry's arrival in Baltimore has already generated excitement among fans, and there are high expectations for his impact on the team's offense. While it's still early days, Henry's performance in the season opener suggests that he could be a significant factor in the Ravens' success this year. With Henry’s powerful running style and Jackson's speed and elusiveness, the Ravens have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.
It will be interesting to see how Henry's performance evolves throughout the season, and how he fits into the Ravens' offensive scheme. He has the potential to be a game-changer for the Ravens, and with his arrival, the Ravens could be a team that contends for a Super Bowl title.
