The Baltimore Ravens have tried their best to give their league-best running game the shot in the arm it needs to help them make it to a Super Bowl, signing one of the best running backs in the NFL in former Tenessee Titans star Derrick Henry. As the regular season ticks closer, fans are getting even more excited about what Henry could bring to the table.
Even as Henry’s Tennessee tenure came to a close with an overall poor campaign, the 24-pound bulldozer was one of the few Titans who were doing their job offensively. Baltimore thinks he has more than enough gas left in the tank to lead this new-look offense.
The Ravens decided to tantalize fans with a glimpse of what is to come during the regular season, showing the first images of Henry in full Ravens purple battle regalia. Henry has been motivated since the day he put pen to paper, and he took to social media to let fans know how he feels.
Henry tweeted “It’s UP” to the accompanying video, as the energy he is bringing to the offense remains palpable. Baltimore expects Henry to be a game-changer, much as he was in Tennessee.
Derrick Henry wears Baltimore Ravens jersey for the first time
Henry was still second in rushing yards in the NFL behind San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey last season despite all the issues around him in Tennessee. The fact Baltimore signed him for a deal worth anywhere between $8 million and $10 million while McCaffrey cost double that made his deal a solid bit of business.
The Ravens were able to turn an undrafted free agent in Gus Edwards and an oft-injured mid-rounder in JK Dobbins into one of the best running back rooms in the league thanks to the constant threat of Lamar Jackson and his legs. Imagine what Henry could do with that breathing room.
The biggest downside of Henry at this stage of his career is his age, as the history of running backs who are over 30 years old can safely be categorized as sketchy. Henry’s body, speed, and consistency should alleviate any concerns Baltimore has about him at this point in his career.
If everything ends up going as planned for the Ravens, Henry will be toting the rock close to 300 times for a team that is finally going to break through their postseason barricade and bring home a championship for the first time in the Lamar Jackson era. Henry will wear that No. 22 with pride.