Former Alabama running back Derrick Henry was one of the most sought-after free agents in this last NFL offseason, even though some believed he wouldn’t be able to produce as he had in his eight seasons with the Titans.
In those eight seasons, Henry rushed for over 1,000 yards in five of them, including a 2,000-yard season in 2020, which was his best season by far. The shelf life of a running back is the shortest compared to every other position in the NFL. However, Henry is continuing to defy all those odds.
Henry made major headlines when he signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens to play alongside two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. This decision would put Henry in a position to not only cut down his massive production that the Titans lackluster offenses had to rely on, but also allow him to play for the most talented offense he has seen in his nine years of professional play.
The season started off slow with back-to-back losses to open the season, but the dynamic duo of Jackson and Henry began to flourish, and this tandem has been almost unstoppable up to this point in the season. The Ravens now have an 11-5 record so far, with Jackson in the conversation for his third MVP award, but Henry has played phenomenally as well.
Henry’s play has been so great that he has etched himself in the Ravens’ history books. After the conclusion of their Christmas matchup against the Texans, which the Ravens won 31-2, Henry would set the Ravens franchise record with the most single-season touchdowns accounted for.
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22).
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Henry has tallied over 1,700 rushing yards this season with a 5.8 yards-per-carry, which is also a career high for him. Henry has accounted for 14 rushing touchdowns this season, which has not only put him tied for first in the league, but is now a Ravens franchise record.
As many had expected, the addition of Henry to the Ravens offense has paid massive dividends for the franchise. The Ravens are highly favored for a playoff run and even a Super Bowl appearance if their dominant play can continue. This could be Henry’s best chance to win the most prestigious championship in sports history, and etch his name in Ravens history even more.
