Despite Slow Connection With Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry to Threaten NFL Defenses to Ease Ravens QB’s Burden

The football world is hyped to see the upcoming Baltimore Ravens season as Lamar Jackson is united with Derrick Henry and there is more depth in the backfield. After spending 8 seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Henry signed a 2-year $16 million deal with the Baltimore team, and it’s supposed to fill the strength in their run game.

Henry came forth in a presser and talked about his experience practicing with Jackson. It would be a slow transition even for 4x Pro Bowler because of the new Harbaugh offense he’s stepping into. Earlier, the RB mentioned that he’s excited to work with Lamar Jackson and people are just waiting for the Ravens to bounce back after the loss to the Chiefs in playoffs. But most importantly, Henry has set his eyes to improve the team’s run game this season.

“My job is to be explosive, making explosive runs, being a threat in the run game and anywhere else they ask me to help out this offense,” Henry said. “I need to do my job so that I’m a threat to opposing defenses.” Amidst the point of his own growth, Henry also mentioned the kind of backing having a QB like Lamar Jackson brings him.

“It definitely brings a different aspect because (Jackson) is a dual-threat quarterback,” Henry said. “He’s dangerous with his legs just as he is with his arm. It’s going to be a breath of fresh air not being the center of attention, knowing that eyes are going to be on him as well.” Henry’s commitment to the Ravens speaks volumes and his numbers tell everything we need to know about him.

Both Henry and Lamar Jackson are Florida natives, so the bonding part is sorted out. Also, 2x MVP’s brand of football aligns with Derrick Henry and what John Harbaugh has been trying to do with the offense. Per Harbaugh, the team struggled heavily in running the ball during the AFC Championship game against the Chiefs.

Gus Edwards and Justice Hall had 3 carries each and ran the ball for 23 yards combined, without scoring a touchdown. Things are supposed to take a turn for good now as Henry had 1,167 rushing yards last season and is expected to bring the same caliber to the Baltimore Ravens this year.

Even the Ravens QB Lamar Jackson had the most rushing yards as a quarterback in the last season (821), which speaks volumes and gives a surety that no matter what, one of these players is going to bring in the hard yardage. Subsequently, it’s almost ironic to see a quarterback leading the team in rushing yards, giving an insight into the team’s previous season. But Derrick Henry is here to appease Lamar Jackson’s troubles. However, it might take some time for Derrick Henry to get acclimated with the Ravens offense.

Derrick Henry is on a slow learning curve!

Jackson and Henry are expected to make each other’s jobs easier. Jackson is a dual-threat QB and that’s the quality that Derrick Henry wants to benefit from the most. In his own words, his alliance with Jackson is supposed to take the attention off the RB. However, there is always the challenge of learning new plays and terminologies of a new system. Suffice it to say that the RB is crossing that milestone slowly but surely.

“It’s definitely different terminology and everything. But it’s a challenge and it’s fun and doing something new is always going to bring a challenge to it but I embrace it,” said Henry. The RB further added, “It’s been fun learning, guys helping me, running back coach Tag helping me as well and you know, just continue to grow, continue to learn everything, and let the transition on the field.”

But while Henry is taking a bit of time to settle in the Ravens, he doesn’t seem to have a problem adjusting to the city. The city of Baltimore has given him a warm welcome and he’s digging the food. Baltimore’s famous crab cakes have got his tastebuds tingling after he paid a visit to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood.

“I went to Jimmy’s the first week I was here. It was a great presentation. They gave me so much food,” Henry said. “Their crab cakes were good as advertised. I don’t know how much I will eat during the season because I am on a strict diet, but I might have one or two when we win.”

With a new offensive scheme that suits him, a rejuvenated body and mind, and the help of Lamar Jackson, there are great things to be achieved in this season. The Kansas City Chiefs-Baltimore Ravens is the season opener and it hopefully will clear that “chip on the shoulder” of Lamar Jackson, with Derrick Henry by his side.