Derrick Henry's Consistency Key for the Baltimore Ravens Success

In the high-octane, unpredictable world of the NFL, consistency is a rare and invaluable trait—and no player embodies that more for the Baltimore Ravens in 2024 than running back Derrick Henry. Since joining the Ravens in free agency last offseason, Henry has been a steady force in their offense, delivering reliable production week in and week out, regardless of opponents, weather conditions, or game script. Unlike flashy playmakers who thrive in spurts, Henry’s consistency—measured in yards per carry, red-zone touchdowns, and ability to move the chains—has become the backbone of the Ravens’ attack. It’s not just his talent that matters; it’s his dependability, which allows the Ravens to plan their offense, keep defenses off balance, and close out games. Derrick Henry's Consistency Key for the Baltimore Ravens Success explores how this veteran running back has become irreplaceable to the Ravens’ success, the numbers that back up his reliability, and why his steady presence is critical for their playoff hopes.

Derrick Henry's Consistency Key for the Baltimore Ravens Success first shines through in his statistical reliability—a track record of steady production that few running backs in the NFL can match. Through 12 games in 2024, Henry has rushed for at least 80 yards in 10 contests, including seven games with 100+ yards—a feat no other running back in the league has achieved this season. He’s averaging 4.7 yards per carry, a mark he’s maintained within a 0.2-yard range every month (4.6 in September, 4.8 in October, 4.7 in November), showing no signs of slowing down as the season progresses. What’s most impressive is his red-zone dominance: Henry has scored 11 rushing touchdowns, 10 of which have come inside the 10-yard line, and he’s converted 85% of his third-and-short opportunities (17 of 20). “Consistency is about showing up every week, even when defenses are game-planning just for you,” Henry said after a Week 11 win over the Cleveland Browns, where he rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns. “I take pride in being the guy the team can count on, whether it’s a 1-yard touchdown run or a 20-yard gain to get us out of a hole.” His consistency has also reduced turnover risk: Henry has fumbled just once all season, a stark contrast to the Ravens’ 2023 season when their running backs combined for 10 fumbles.

A critical way Henry’s consistency fuels the Ravens’ success is his ability to control game tempo and ease pressure on Lamar Jackson—a dynamic that makes the Ravens’ offense far more dangerous. When Henry is rushing effectively, the Ravens can dictate the pace of the game, keeping opposing offenses off the field and reducing the number of passing attempts Jackson needs to make. This not only limits Jackson’s exposure to hits (he’s been sacked 12 fewer times in 2024 than in 2023) but also makes the Ravens’ play-action passing game more effective. Defenses, forced to commit extra defenders to stop Henry, leave wide receivers and tight ends open for Jackson to target. In Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Henry rushed for 134 yards on 25 carries, keeping the Bengals’ defense on its heels and allowing Jackson to throw for 245 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. “Derrick’s consistency lets us be balanced,” Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken explained. “When we can run the ball effectively, everything else opens up. Lamar doesn’t have to do it all, and that’s when he’s at his best.” Henry’s ability to sustain drives is also key: the Ravens have a 92% success rate in converting third-and-1 when Henry is the ball carrier, and their average time of possession is 32 minutes per game (third in the NFL)—a stat directly tied to Henry’s ability to move the chains.

A defining aspect of Derrick Henry's Consistency Key for the Baltimore Ravens Success is how he performs in high-pressure situations—proving his reliability isn’t limited to easy matchups. Henry has saved some of his best performances for the Ravens’ toughest games: against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3, he rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown in a 27-24 loss; against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10, he had 121 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown that sealed a 20-17 win; and against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5, he rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-17 victory. What stands out is his fourth-quarter production: Henry has rushed for 420 yards and five touchdowns in the final quarter this season, including three game-winning scores. “The fourth quarter is when you separate the good players from the great ones, and Derrick is great,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “He gets stronger as the game goes on, and that’s a rare trait. When we’re in a close game, we know we can hand him the ball and he’ll get the job done.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this clutch consistency is invaluable in the AFC North, where most games are decided by one score. Henry’s ability to deliver when it matters most has turned potential losses into wins, keeping the Ravens in the thick of the division title race.

Another way Henry’s consistency impacts the Baltimore Ravens is his influence on team culture and the development of younger players—a less tangible but equally important factor. As a 10-year NFL veteran, Henry brings a work ethic and professionalism that sets the standard for the Ravens’ locker room. He’s the first player to arrive at practice every day and the last to leave, often staying late to work on his footwork or mentor younger running backs like Rasheen Ali. Ali, an undrafted rookie who has emerged as a solid backup, credits Henry with helping him adapt to the NFL. “Derrick shows you what it means to be consistent on and off the field,” Ali said. “He doesn’t just talk about hard work—he lives it. Watching him prepares you to be a better player and a better teammate.” Henry’s leadership has also boosted team morale: after tough losses, he’s often the one addressing the team, reminding them of the importance of staying focused and sticking to the game plan. For the Baltimore Ravens, this cultural impact is just as vital as his on-field production. A team with championship aspirations needs leaders who set an example, and Henry has become that leader for the Ravens’ offense.

Wrapping up Derrick Henry's Consistency Key for the Baltimore Ravens Success is the long-term implications of his reliability—how it positions the Ravens for a deep playoff run and shapes their future roster strategy. In the playoffs, where every play matters and mistakes are costly, having a consistent playmaker like Henry is a huge advantage. The Ravens’ playoff hopes hinge on their ability to win physical, low-scoring games, and Henry’s ability to rush for yards and score touchdowns in tough conditions (he’s rushed for 100+ yards in two career playoff games) makes him a critical asset. Beyond this season, Henry’s consistency has also given the Ravens clarity on their roster needs: with Henry performing at an elite level, the Ravens don’t need to invest a high draft pick in a running back, allowing them to focus on other positions like offensive line and cornerback. “Derrick has been a game-changer for us,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said. “His consistency has stabilized our offense, made Lamar’s job easier, and given us a clear path to compete for a Super Bowl. You can’t put a price on that.” For the Baltimore Ravens, Henry’s consistency isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. As they push toward the playoffs, one thing is clear: as long as Derrick Henry is carrying the ball, the Ravens will remain a threat to win every game they play. Ultimately, Derrick Henry's Consistency Key for the Baltimore Ravens Success is a testament to the power of reliability in football—and how one player’s steady presence can lift an entire team to new heights.