Derrick Henry Aims to Make Impact in Ravens' Playoff Run

Derrick Henry had an impressive regular season, rushing for nearly 2,000 yards, much of which occurred before the colder winter months set in. His teammate, Lamar Jackson, reflected on the challenges defenders face when tackling Henry, who weighs in at 250 pounds of muscle. With the Ravens' playoffs commencing against Pittsburgh in typical January chill, the team is optimistic about Henry's potential impact.

Having recently celebrated their birthdays—Henry at 31 and Jackson at 28—both players have seen significant individual accomplishments this year. While Jackson has earned first-team All-Pro honors, Henry was recognized on the second team. Their presence on the field has generated considerable discussion regarding MVP candidacy, prompting Henry to emphasize that their successes are independent of one another. He advocates for recognition of both players, stating that Jackson has the potential for even better statistics and that they elevate each other’s game.

As the Ravens prepare for the upcoming postseason, the focus shifts from individual accolades to team performance, particularly given Jackson's mixed playoff record of 2-4 as a starter. Henry, who aims to finally reach the Super Bowl after narrowly missing out in previous years, has shown he can be a game-changer during playoffs. He has previously delivered standout performances, including rushing for over 156 yards against Kansas City and achieving significant yardage in wins against New England and Baltimore during earlier playoff runs.

Now, following his transition to Baltimore, Henry is ready to make his mark in the playoffs again. He expressed enthusiasm about the heightened intensity of postseason play and the opportunity to showcase his skills once more. Conditioning, whether in warm or chilly weather, is of less concern to him; rather, it is his contribution that the Ravens hope will bolster their chances.

The Ravens are particularly eager for Henry to replicate his success from their prior matchup with the Steelers, where he rushed for 162 yards after an earlier fumble in November. Given that Baltimore has led the league with an average of 5.76 yards per rush this season, Henry's performance will be crucial for the team's strategy. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken stressed the importance of a strong running game, particularly in controlling the physical nature of playoff conditions, which is vital for setting up the offensive schemes moving forward.