Derrick Henry's Performance Analyzed for the Baltimore Ravens

For the Baltimore Ravens, preparing to face Derrick Henry isn’t just about studying a running back—it’s about game-planning for a force of nature. The Tennessee Titans’ star has long been one of the NFL’s most feared rushers, with a rare combination of size (6-foot-3, 247 pounds), speed (4.52 40-yard dash), and durability that makes him a nightmare for defenses. As the Ravens gear up for their annual matchup against the Titans, understanding Henry’s 2023 performance—his strengths, subtle shifts in his style, and areas where defenses can exploit vulnerabilities—will be critical to slowing him down. This analysis isn’t just about numbers; it’s about decoding how Henry impacts every phase of a game, from wearing down defensive lines to opening up the Titans’ passing attack. Derrick Henry's Performance Analyzed for the Baltimore Ravens breaks down what makes Henry effective, how he’s evolved this season, and what the Ravens must do to limit his impact.

Derrick Henry's Performance Analyzed for the Baltimore Ravens begins with his rushing efficiency— a statistical deep dive that reveals why he remains a top-tier back despite entering his eighth NFL season. Through 12 games in 2023, Henry has rushed for 1,124 yards and 10 touchdowns on 243 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt—numbers that rank him sixth in the NFL in rushing yards and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns. What stands out for the Ravens, however, is his efficiency in “trash time” versus high-leverage situations: Henry averages 5.8 yards per carry on third downs (ranking third among running backs with 50+ third-down attempts) and 6.2 yards per carry in the red zone (tied for second). This means he’s not just a volume back—he’s a difference-maker when the Titans need him most. “Henry doesn’t just get yards— he gets yards that matter,” said a Ravens defensive coordinator who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He converts third-and-short, he scores in the red zone, and he does it against some of the best defenses in the league. For us, that means we can’t let up on him for a single play.” Henry’s ability to stay consistent late in games is also notable: he averages 4.9 yards per carry in the fourth quarter, compared to the league average of 3.8, a sign that he wears down defensive lines as the game progresses—something the Ravens’ front seven must prepare for.

A second key aspect of Henry’s performance is his evolved running style— a shift from pure power to a mix of strength and finesse that has kept defenses guessing. Early in his career, Henry relied heavily on “bull rushing”—lowering his shoulder and pushing defenders backward for extra yards. This season, however, he’s incorporated more cutbacks, lateral moves, and even occasional jukes to avoid tackles. Film study shows that Henry has used a “jump cut” (a quick lateral move to change direction) on 18% of his carries this season, up from 9% in 2022. He’s also improved his ability to read defensive gaps, waiting an extra split second to let blocks develop before hitting the hole—a tweak that has reduced his tackle rate at or behind the line of scrimmage from 19% last year to 14% this year. “Henry used to be a ‘one-speed’ back—power all the way,” said the Ravens’ defensive line coach, Anthony Weaver. “Now, he’s adding layers to his game. He’ll hit you with a power run, then come back with a cutback that leaves your linebackers out of position. That versatility makes him even harder to defend.” For the Ravens, this evolution means they can’t just stack the box with heavy personnel; they need linebackers who can move laterally and defensive backs who can tackle in open space—something Baltimore has prioritized in practice this week.

Derrick Henry's Performance Analyzed for the Baltimore Ravens also includes his impact on the Titans’ passing game— a factor the Baltimore Ravens can’t ignore when game-planning. While Henry is known for his rushing, his presence opens up opportunities for Tennessee’s passing attack in two key ways: first, his ability to draw eight or nine defenders into the box creates one-on-one matchups for Titans receivers; second, his proficiency as a pass-catcher (26 catches for 214 yards this season) keeps defenses honest. This season, when Henry is on the field, the Titans’ passing offense averages 7.2 yards per attempt—1.1 yards more than when he’s on the sideline. “Henry isn’t just a running back— he’s a decoy, a blocker, and a receiver,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “If we focus too much on stopping his runs, we’ll leave their receivers open. If we drop back to cover their receivers, he’ll run right through our front seven. It’s a classic catch-22, and it’s why he’s one of the most valuable players in the league.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this means finding a balance: using a mix of 4-3 and 3-4 defensive sets to keep Henry guessing, and rotating defensive backs to ensure both run support and pass coverage. Baltimore’s safety, Kyle Hamilton—who leads the team in tackles—will be critical here, as he can drop back to cover tight ends or move up to stop Henry in the backfield.

Another critical angle of Henry’s performance is his historical dominance against the Baltimore Ravens— a trend the team is determined to reverse. In four career matchups against Baltimore, Henry has rushed for 532 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per carry—his highest average against any AFC North team. His most memorable performance came in 2020, when he rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-24 Titans win, including a 29-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that sealed the victory. “Henry has had our number in the past, and we know that,” said Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, who will be tasked with tackling Henry this week. “He’s a player who rises to the occasion against good defenses, and we’re a good defense. This week, it’s personal. We want to show that we can stop the best.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this historical context adds extra urgency to their preparation. The team has spent extra time reviewing film of Henry’s past performances against them, identifying patterns in his running style and the Titans’ playcalling. They’ve also focused on tackling fundamentals in practice, with players working on “wrapping up” Henry rather than trying to tackle him high—something that has failed in previous matchups.

Finally, Derrick Henry's Performance Analyzed for the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with the Ravens’ defensive strategy to limit Henry— a multi-faceted approach that relies on discipline, depth, and situational awareness for the Baltimore Ravens. The plan centers on three key elements: first, using a “rotation” of defensive linemen to keep fresh bodies on the field, preventing Henry from wearing down the front seven (Baltimore has six defensive linemen who play at least 30% of snaps, giving them the depth to rotate regularly); second, using “gap discipline” to eliminate cutback lanes, with each defender responsible for a specific gap rather than chasing Henry; third, using blitzes strategically to force the Titans to pass early, limiting Henry’s carries. “Stopping Henry isn’t about one player—it’s about the entire defense working together,” Harbaugh said. “We need every guy to do his job, every play. If one defender misses a gap, he’ll take it for 20 yards. If we stay disciplined, we can slow him down.” For the Baltimore Ravens, success against Henry will also depend on their ability to score points—forcing the Titans to abandon the run and pass more. If the Ravens can build an early lead, they can limit Henry’s touches and take control of the game. Derrick Henry's Performance Analyzed for the Baltimore Ravens ultimately shows that while Henry is a dominant player, he’s not unbeatable. With the right strategy, discipline, and execution, the Ravens can neutralize his impact and secure a critical win in the AFC playoff race.