Derrick Henry's Ground Attack Vital to the Baltimore Ravens

In the Baltimore Ravens’ high-octane offense, Derrick Henry’s ground attack isn’t just a complementary piece—it’s the engine that drives success. Since signing with the Ravens in free agency, the veteran running back has redefined their offensive identity, rushing for 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns in 14 games, while turning crucial short-yardage situations into first downs and keeping opposing defenses off balance. Derrick Henry's Ground Attack Vital to the Baltimore Ravens explores how Henry’s physical running style, consistency in pressure moments, and ability to open up the passing game have made him indispensable to the Ravens’ playoff aspirations. For the Ravens, Henry isn’t just a running back—he’s the stabilizing force that turns a good offense into a championship-caliber one.

Derrick Henry's Ground Attack Vital to the Baltimore Ravens begins with the most obvious impact of Henry’s running: balancing the offense and easing pressure on Lamar Jackson. The Ravens’ passing game, while explosive, can struggle when defenses stack the box to stop Jackson’s scrambling. But Henry’s presence forces defenses to commit at least seven players to the run, creating space for Jackson to throw to receivers like Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. A perfect example came in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns: Henry rushed for 132 yards on 24 carries, including a 22-yard fourth-quarter run that set up Jackson’s game-winning touchdown pass. “When Derrick is rolling, defenses can’t just focus on me,” Jackson said after the game. “They have to pick their poison—and that’s when we’re at our most dangerous.” Film breakdowns show that when Henry rushes for 100+ yards, the Ravens have a 9-1 record this season, compared to a 3-3 record when he’s held below 70 yards. This correlation isn’t a coincidence—Henry’s ground attack keeps the offense predictable for the Ravens, but unpredictable for their opponents.

Derrick Henry's Ground Attack Vital to the Baltimore Ravens continues with Henry’s dominance in short-yardage and red zone situations, where the Ravens have become one of the NFL’s most efficient teams. Henry, standing 6’3” and weighing 247 pounds, is a nightmare for defenses in goal-line scenarios: he’s converted 18 of 20 third-and-1 or fourth-and-1 attempts this season, and 8 of his 10 touchdowns have come from inside the 10-yard line. In Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Henry’s 1-yard touchdown run with 3:12 left gave the Ravens a 28-24 lead—his third game-winning score of the season. “Derrick is a closer,” Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris said. “When we need one yard to keep the drive alive or punch it in for six, he’s the guy we want carrying the ball. He doesn’t just run through tackles—he runs over them, and he never goes down on first contact.” What makes Henry even more valuable in these situations is his durability: he’s missed just one practice all season, and his ability to absorb hits and keep going ensures the Ravens don’t have to rely on unproven backups in critical moments.

Derrick Henry's Ground Attack Vital to the Baltimore Ravens shifts to how Henry’s ground attack controls the clock and wears down opposing defenses—a key factor in the Ravens’ success in close games. The Ravens lead the NFL in time of possession (32:45 per game), and Henry is the primary reason: his runs average 4.8 yards per carry, and he frequently breaks tackles to extend drives, forcing defenses to stay on the field for 7+ minute stretches. In Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs, even in a losing effort, Henry rushed for 98 yards and helped the Ravens hold the ball for 34:12, limiting the Chiefs’ high-powered offense to just 25:48 of possession. “When you can keep Patrick Mahomes on the sidelines, you’re winning half the battle,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “Derrick does that by grinding out yards, play after play, and making defenses tired. By the fourth quarter, they’re not just defending our offense—they’re defending fatigue.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this clock control is especially important in the playoffs, where every possession matters and limiting an opponent’s chances can be the difference between winning and losing. Henry’s ground attack doesn’t just score points—it dictates the tempo of the game.

Derrick Henry's Ground Attack Vital to the Baltimore Ravens delves into the intangible impact of Henry’s leadership, both on and off the field. As a 10-year NFL veteran, Henry has become a mentor to younger running backs like Rasheen Ali, sharing tips on pass protection, reading defenses, and staying healthy during a long season. In practice, Henry is often the first player on the field and the last to leave, running extra drills with the offensive line to refine their timing. “Derrick sets the standard for work ethic,” Ali said. “He doesn’t just talk about being a professional—he lives it. And that makes everyone around him want to work harder.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this leadership has been just as vital as Henry’s on-field production. The Ravens’ offense has faced injuries to key players (including left tackle Ronnie Stanley), but Henry’s consistency and positivity have kept the unit focused. In the locker room, Henry is often the one rallying teammates during halftime or after a tough play, reminding them of their goal to win a Super Bowl. “Leaders like Derrick don’t come around often,” Harbaugh said. “He’s not just here to play football—he’s here to build a winning culture.”

Derrick Henry's Ground Attack Vital to the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with the long-term implications of Henry’s impact, as the Ravens head into the playoffs with one of the NFL’s most balanced offenses. Henry’s ground attack has not only made the Ravens more competitive in the regular season but has also positioned them to handle the physicality of playoff football, where running the ball and controlling the clock are often the keys to advancing. In their Week 17 rematch against the Cincinnati Bengals, Henry rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown, leading the Ravens to a 31-24 win that secured the AFC North title. “This is why we signed Derrick,” DeCosta said after the game. “To win games that matter, to lead us to division titles, and to give us a chance to win a Super Bowl.” For the Baltimore Ravens, Henry’s ground attack is more than just a strategy—it’s a mindset. It’s about grinding out yards, winning tough battles, and never backing down when the stakes are high. In the end, Derrick Henry's Ground Attack Vital to the Baltimore Ravens is a story about fit: a player whose skills, work ethic, and leadership have perfectly aligned with a team’s needs, turning potential into success. As the Ravens chase a championship, Henry will be the engine driving them forward—one hard-fought yard at a time.