Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts

When the Baltimore Ravens signed veteran running back Derrick Henry in the 2024 offseason, analysts and fans alike expected the former Tennessee Titans star to replicate his dominant, 1,000-yard form and complement Lamar Jackson’s rushing attack. Instead, Henry has struggled to find his rhythm, posting just 620 rushing yards through 14 games—well below his career average of 89 yards per game. This unexpected drop in production has left Ravens analysts scrambling to identify the root cause, as the team’s offense has also failed to reach its projected potency. Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts isn’t just about a single player’s slump; it’s about unraveling why a proven elite running back can’t find success in a system that was supposed to highlight his strengths, and what this means for the Ravens’ playoff hopes.

Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts begins with a stark statistical contrast between his past performance and his 2024 output. From 2019 to 2023, Henry led the NFL in rushing yards twice, averaged 4.9 yards per carry, and was known for his ability to break tackles and convert short-yardage situations. This season, however, his yards per carry have plummeted to 3.2, and he’s failed to record a single 100-yard game—something he did at least five times in each of the previous four seasons. Analysts point to key games like Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Henry carried the ball 18 times for just 45 yards, or Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, where he managed only 38 yards on 12 attempts, as red flags. “We’re seeing a player who can’t generate the same burst through the line,” said Ravens senior analyst Mark Zinno. “He’s getting hit at or behind the line of scrimmage more often than ever before, and that’s not the Derrick Henry we’ve watched for years.” Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts because this statistical decline is so abrupt and unexpected, defying pre-season projections that pegged him as a top-10 running back.

Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts further deepens when examining how opposing defenses have adjusted to stop him. Unlike in Tennessee, where Henry was the focal point of the offense, the Ravens split carries between Henry, Jackson, and rookie Rasheen Ali—a change that has prevented Henry from finding a consistent rhythm. Defenses have capitalized on this, using “stack boxes” (aligning more defenders near the line of scrimmage) to shut down the run, knowing the Ravens will likely pass if Henry is contained. In Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Bengals used a 5-2 defensive alignment on 60% of Henry’s carries, limiting him to 29 yards on 10 attempts. Analysts note that defenses are also game-planning to avoid giving Henry “second-level” opportunities—he’s been tackled by defensive linemen or linebackers before reaching the secondary in 72% of his carries this season, compared to 51% in 2023. “Defenses aren’t letting him get to the open field,” explained Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who often studies opponent game plans. “They’re swarming him early, and without that initial burst, he can’t use his size and strength to break tackles.” Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts because the adjustments defenses have made seem to have neutralized a player who was once nearly impossible to contain.

Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts also raises questions about the Ravens’ offensive scheme and how it’s utilizing Henry’s skill set. In Tennessee, the Titans built their offense around Henry’s strengths: power running between the tackles, play-action passes that leveraged his threat as a runner, and designed runs that let him use his 6-foot-3, 247-pound frame to bulldoze defenders. The Ravens, however, have leaned more on zone-blocking schemes and outside runs—styles that prioritize speed over power, which don’t play to Henry’s strengths. Analysts point out that Henry has been asked to run outside the tackles on 45% of his carries this season, compared to just 28% in his final year with the Titans, and he’s averaging 2.1 yards per outside carry (versus 3.8 yards per inside carry). The Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator Todd Monken has defended the scheme, stating that “we’re trying to create opportunities for all our playmakers,” but analysts remain skeptical. “This scheme isn’t built for a power back like Henry,” said former Ravens running back Jamal Lewis. “You can’t take a player who dominates between the tackles and ask him to run wide every other play—it’s a mismatch between player and system.” Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts because the scheme that was supposed to enhance the offense has instead hindered one of its most high-profile additions.

Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts has also sparked debates about Henry’s physical state and whether age or lingering injuries are contributing to his decline. At 30 years old, Henry is entering the latter stages of a running back’s prime, and while he’s avoided major injuries in recent seasons, analysts wonder if the wear and tear of eight NFL seasons has taken a toll. In Week 11, Henry was listed on the injury report with a “lower leg soreness,” though he didn’t miss any games. Film study by analysts shows subtle changes in his movement—he’s not accelerating as quickly after making cuts, and he’s not breaking as many tackles (just 12 this season, compared to 40 in 2023). The Baltimore Ravens’ medical staff has cleared Henry to play fully, but analysts question if he’s operating at 100%. “There’s a difference between being ‘cleared’ and being ‘healthy,’” said Ravens injury analyst Sarah Ellison. “The way he’s moving suggests there might be something bothering him, even if it’s not serious enough to keep him off the field.” Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts because if age or injury is the cause, it would mean the Ravens’ multi-year investment in Henry could be at risk—a concern for a team that prioritizes long-term roster stability.

Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts has significant implications for the team’s playoff hopes, as a struggling running game could limit their ability to compete with top AFC teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills. The Ravens rank 12th in rushing yards per game this season, down from 3rd in 2023, and their red-zone efficiency has dropped from 68% (2023) to 55% (2024)—a decline analysts link directly to Henry’s struggles. In playoff games, where clock management and red-zone scoring are critical, a reliable running back is often the difference between winning and losing. The Baltimore Ravens’ coaching staff has hinted at adjusting the scheme to better utilize Henry in the final weeks of the regular season, including more inside runs and short-yardage packages. “We know we need to get Derrick going,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s a playmaker, and we’re going to put him in positions to succeed.” Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts because solving it could be the key to unlocking the Ravens’ full offensive potential—and their chances of winning a Super Bowl. For now, analysts will continue to study film, track statistics, and wait to see if Henry can rediscover his dominant form before the playoffs begin.

Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts remains unsolved, but the search for answers has forced the team to reevaluate its offense, its use of personnel, and its approach to game-planning. Whether the issue is scheme, defense adjustments, or Henry’s physical state, one thing is clear: the Ravens need Henry to perform if they want to make a deep playoff run. For analysts, this slump is a reminder that even the most proven players can struggle in new environments, and that NFL success depends on the delicate balance between player skill, scheme, and opponent strategy. As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on Henry and the Ravens, waiting to see if they can solve this puzzle—and turn a disappointing season for one player into a championship run for the entire team. Derrick Henry's Limited Yards Puzzle the Baltimore Ravens Analysts because it’s more than just a statistical mystery; it’s a test of the team’s ability to adapt, adjust, and get the most out of its talent when it matters most.