As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday, all eyes are on Derrick Henry, the Ravens’ powerhouse running back. Once the star back for the Tennessee Titans, Henry is now expected to make waves in purple, bringing his relentless power and speed to one of the NFL’s most anticipated rivalries. For Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, who once maximized Henry’s talent during their Titans days, seeing his former star in Ravens colors is a strange sight—and he’s finding it hard to pin down Henry’s weaknesses.

The Steelers’ OT had a candid moment reflecting on his former star, Henry. Smith shared a surprising sentiment, saying, “I’m not sure he has one” when asked about Henry’s Achilles heel. That’s high praise coming from someone who’s watched Henry bulldoze defenses firsthand, and now finds himself strategizing against him.

Seeing Henry in Ravens purple hasn’t quite sunk in for Smith, who admitted, “It’s a little weird for me… we had some good battles in Tennessee.” Now on the opposing side, Smith didn’t hold back on his admiration, calling Henry a “first-ballot Hall of Famer.” Despite gearing up to stop the powerhouse back, Smith couldn’t deny it was a “privilege” to coach Henry, making his praise for a rival all the more striking as Sunday approaches.

Smith also praised Henry’s relentless drive and exceptional ability, calling him a “first-ballot Hall of Famer.” The Titans’ former OC witnessed Henry dominate the league firsthand, especially in 2019 and 2020 when Henry led in rushing yards. For Smith, Henry’s unique combination of size, speed, and tenacity made him almost unstoppable. “I love great players. I don’t know the Achilles heel for Derek,” he admitted, a statement that underscores just how challenging it will be for the Steelers to contain him this weekend.

As the Steelers defense gears up for Henry, Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin echoed Smith’s sentiments. Henry, Austin says, is a “big man” who can turn any run into a track meet. Slowing him down will be no easy task, especially for a Steelers team that knows all too well the damage Henry can do if he finds an opening.

How Derrick Henry is reshaping Baltimore’s offense: A power play at 30

Derrick Henry’s arrival in Baltimore has been nothing short of game-changing. Known for his rare blend of power and speed, the 6’2”, 247-pound “King Henry” has been tearing through defenses, proving doubters wrong about his staying power. He’s already racked up over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the NFL in key rushing categories, with an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged Henry’s challenge, stating, “Not only is he capable of wearing you down…but he’s also a home run hitter with track speed.”

While Henry’s production has been a big boost for the Ravens, his transition hasn’t been without questions. After a shaky Week 1, where he managed only 46 rushing yards, some questioned if Henry’s age might finally be catching up. But since then, he’s silenced critics, averaging 6.3 yards per carry and setting records, including becoming the fastest player to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season’s first nine games. Baltimore’s powerful offensive line, combined with Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities, has given Henry more opportunities to dominate, with fewer defenders stacking the box against him.

Historically, Pittsburgh has managed to contain Henry in previous matchups, but with Jackson and Henry on the same side, Baltimore’s offense is a true powerhouse. Henry’s impact this season points toward a historic career trajectory, and if his Baltimore chapter continues this way, he’s on track to join an elite league of running backs who defy age and remain unstoppable forces.