Derrick Henry's Dominance Expected in Future for the Baltimore Ravens

At 30 years old, a stage where many NFL running backs begin to show signs of decline, Derrick Henry has defied expectations—continuing to run with the same brute force, endurance, and game-changing ability that made him a two-time NFL rushing champion. For the Baltimore Ravens, this isn’t just a short-term boon; it’s a foundation for future success. Since signing with the Ravens in 2024, Henry has quickly become the heartbeat of their offense, rushing for over 900 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games while averaging a career-high 4.8 yards per carry. What makes his future dominance even more promising is how seamlessly he fits into the Ravens’ identity: a physical, clock-controlling team that thrives in tough, high-stakes games. Derrick Henry's Dominance Expected in Future for the Baltimore Ravens examines the factors that suggest Henry’s success will endure, how the Ravens plan to leverage his skills in the coming seasons, and why he’s poised to remain one of the NFL’s most impactful running backs.

Derrick Henry's Dominance Expected in Future for the Baltimore Ravens begins with his unique physical profile and durability—traits that have allowed him to avoid the typical wear and tear of an NFL running back. At 6’3” and 247 pounds, Henry is built like a tight end, with the speed (4.54-second 40-yard dash) to outrun linebackers and the strength to break tackles (he leads the NFL with 28 broken tackles in 2024). Unlike smaller running backs who rely on agility, Henry’s style is based on power and momentum—he doesn’t take unnecessary hits, often lowering his shoulder to initiate contact rather than absorbing it. This approach has kept him remarkably healthy: he’s missed just three games in the last five seasons, a streak that includes 17-game seasons in 2020 and 2021. Ravens trainers have also adapted their conditioning program to preserve his legs, reducing his practice reps during the week while focusing on strength and flexibility drills. “Derrick’s body is built for longevity,” said Ravens head athletic trainer Steve Saunders. “He takes care of himself, he’s disciplined with his diet and recovery, and his running style minimizes the kind of hits that end careers. We expect him to be a productive runner for at least the next two to three seasons.”

Derrick Henry's Dominance Expected in Future for the Baltimore Ravens shifts to the Ravens’ offensive scheme, which is tailor-made to maximize Henry’s strengths and mask any potential decline. The Ravens have long been a run-first team, but with Henry, they’ve refined their approach to feature “power run” plays that play to his ability to break through stacked boxes. Plays like the “counter trey” (where offensive linemen pull to create a gap) and “iso” (isolation) runs (where a single blocker takes on a linebacker) give Henry the space and support to use his strength. The Ravens also pair Henry with Keaton Mitchell, a speedster who complements his power, forcing defenses to prepare for both styles. This balance not only keeps Henry fresh (he averages 18 carries per game, down from 23 in his Tennessee Titans prime) but also makes the offense more unpredictable. In Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens used this combination to perfection: Henry rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, while Mitchell added 68 yards on 4 carries, keeping the Steelers’ defense off balance all game. “Our scheme is designed to make Derrick’s job easier,” said Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. “We don’t ask him to do things he can’t—we put him in positions to succeed, and that’s why he’s still playing at an elite level. As long as we stick to this approach, his dominance will continue.”

Derrick Henry's Dominance Expected in Future for the Baltimore Ravens delves into his leadership role—a factor that extends his impact beyond the field and will be crucial for the Ravens’ future. As a 10-year veteran, Henry has become a mentor to younger players, including Mitchell and rookie offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum. He leads by example: he’s the first player in the facility every morning, stays late to study film with quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Malik Cunningham, and emphasizes accountability in team meetings. After the Ravens’ Week 12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Henry gave a post-game speech that focused on “staying hungry” and “finishing the season strong”—a message that resonated with the team and helped fuel their four-game winning streak. For the Baltimore Ravens, Henry’s leadership is just as valuable as his on-field production, especially as the team looks to build a sustainable contender. “Derrick is more than a running back—he’s a leader who sets the standard for this team,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “Young players look up to him, veterans respect him, and everyone feeds off his work ethic. That kind of influence doesn’t fade with age, and it will be key to our success in the future.”

Derrick Henry's Dominance Expected in Future for the Baltimore Ravens explores how his presence elevates the rest of the Ravens’ offense, creating a ripple effect that makes the team more dangerous. Henry’s ability to draw eight or nine defenders into the box opens up passing lanes for Jackson, who can then find wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers or tight end Mark Andrews. In 2024, Jackson has completed 68% of his passes when Henry is on the field (compared to 62% when he’s off), and the Ravens’ passing offense ranks 12th in the NFL (up from 18th in 2023). Henry also excels in short-yardage situations, converting 82% of his third-and-1 carries—keeping drives alive and reducing pressure on Jackson to make miracle plays. For the Baltimore Ravens, this synergy between Henry and the passing game is a key reason why their offense is expected to remain elite in the coming seasons. “Derrick makes everyone around him better,” Jackson said. “When defenses are focused on stopping him, it makes my job easier—I can find open receivers, and we can move the ball down the field. He’s the kind of player who makes the whole offense click, and we’re lucky to have him.”

Derrick Henry's Dominance Expected in Future for the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with the Ravens’ long-term plans for Henry and what it means for their championship aspirations. The Ravens signed Henry to a two-year, $16 million contract in 2024, but team officials have hinted at extending him for another season if he maintains his current level of play. They also plan to manage his workload carefully, using Mitchell more in the regular season to keep Henry fresh for the playoffs—where his physical style is even more effective (he averages 120 rushing yards per game in the postseason). With Henry leading the run game, Jackson at quarterback, and a strong defense, the Ravens are positioned to be contenders for the next two to three seasons. “Derrick Henry is a difference-maker, and difference-makers win championships,” said Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. “We didn’t sign him just to win regular-season games—we signed him to help us win a Super Bowl. His dominance isn’t going anywhere, and neither are our championship hopes.” As Henry continues to run through tackles, lead the team, and elevate the offense, one thing is clear: his future with the Baltimore Ravens is bright, and his impact will be felt for years to come. For Ravens fans, that’s a reason to be excited—because as long as Henry is in purple and black, the team will have a chance to compete for the ultimate prize.