Behind dominant Derrick Henry, Ravens are becoming an overpowering force

Posted by Admin September 30, 2024 NFL

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens’ backfield bonanza did not waste any time asserting itself. Derrick Henry took his team’s first snap from scrimmage 87 yards to the house for an early touchdown against the Buffalo Bills, and the Ravens never looked back as they rolled to a 35-10 victory.

With Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson – equally effective with his legs and his right arm – the Ravens have the ability to run all over teams. Beginning last week with a victory over the Dallas Cowboys that ended up being closer than necessary, they have been doing just that.

Henry finished with 199 rushing yards on 24 attempts and Jackson averaged nine yards per carry (six for 54 yards total). Both had a rushing touchdown, and they connected for a five-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter.

At one point later that quarter, the Ravens and Bills had each run 23 offensive plays. Baltimore had 249 yards (1.08 per play) – compared to Buffalo’s 82 (3.6 per play) – and 13 first downs.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken would prefer to run the ball more than pass. The Ravens’ success in running the ball allowed him to call a game that favored that philosophy, as Baltimore finished with 34 runs and 19 passes.

Buffalo’s ailing defense finally showed cracks after allowing 16 points per game over the first three contests. Injuries to the linebacker corps were apparent as Baltimore’s blockers pounced into the second level and Jackson found positive yardage opportunities in the intermediate passing game.

But it was Henry who set the tone immediately. The Bills received the opening kickoff and the Ravens forced a three-and-out. Monken dialed up a “trap” run play, and fullback Patrick Ricard had an essential crack block that sprung Henry through a wide-open hole.

At 30 years old, Henry – who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 247 pounds – has dealt with the assumption he has lost a step. No Bills defender could catch him in the open field. He reached 21.9 mph, according to Next Gen Stats, which is tied for the fourth-fastest speed this season.

Henry signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Ravens this offseason (with $9 million guaranteed) following eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

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