Behind dominant Derrick Henry, Ravens are becoming an overpowering force

(This story has been updated with new information.)

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens’ backfield bonanza did not waste any time asserting itself. Derrick Henry took his team’s first snap from scrimmage 87 yards to the house for an early touchdown against the Buffalo Bills, and the Ravens never looked back as they rolled to a 35-10 victory.

With Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson – equally effective with his legs and his right arm – the Ravens have the ability to run all over teams. Beginning last week with a victory over the Dallas Cowboys that ended up being closer than necessary, they have been doing just that. 

Henry finished with 199 rushing yards on 24 attempts and Jackson averaged nine yards per carry (six for 54 yards total). Both had a rushing touchdown, and they connected for a five-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter.  

At one point later that quarter, the Ravens and Bills had each run 23 offensive plays. Baltimore had 249 yards (1.08 per play) – compared to Buffalo’s 82 (3.6 per play) – and 13 first downs. The 271 total rushing yards rushing allowed by Bills are the most they allowed since the 2017 season, the first year of head coach Sean McDermott's tenure.

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Offensive coordinator Todd Monken would prefer to run the ball more than pass. The Ravens’ success in running the ball allowed him to call a game that favored that philosophy, as Baltimore finished with 34 runs and 19 passes. Head coach John Harbaugh credited the offensive coaching staff for actualizing the idea of adding Henry to the offense.

“It could be this, it could be that,” Harbaugh said, “but you gotta put it together. It’s starting to (come together).” 

Henry isn't afraid to call or text running backs coach Willie Taggart if he has a question about Monken's offense.

“It matters so much to him,” said Harbaugh, who thought the variety of runs and creativity helped keep the Bills off balance even though they knew a rush was coming.

Buffalo’s ailing defense finally showed cracks after allowing 16 points per game over the first three contests. Injuries to the linebacker corps were apparent as Baltimore’s blockers pounced into the second level and Jackson found positive yardage opportunities in the intermediate passing game. 

But it was Henry who set the tone immediately. The Bills received the opening kickoff and the Ravens forced a three-and-out. Monken dialed up a “trap” run play, and fullback Patrick Ricard had an essential crack block that sprung Henry through a wide-open hole. 

Based on the film and reading the front, Jackson said he knew the play call could lead to a home run-type play – the longest run in Ravens history and longest in the NFL this season. 

“If he gets to the secondary, he’s pretty much gone," Jackson said. "It’s hard to catch him. Because he’s not just a powerful back. He’s also fast.”

At 30 years old, Henry – who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 247 pounds – has dealt with the assumption he has lost a step. No Bills defender could catch him in the open field. He reached 21.9 mph, according to Next Gen Stats, which is tied for the fourth-fastest speed this season. 

Rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten, making his first career start, blocked his assignment and heard the crowd cheering. He looked up and saw Henry streaking 15 yards ahead of him.

“I knew that play either had a chance for a really big gain or (tackle for loss),” said Rosengarten, adding that he “couldn’t ask for a better first play in my first start.”

Ricard had the task of motioning across the formation and kicking out the "three-technique" defensive lineman. His goal was to stay low and catch the defender by surprise.

“Because if I miss on that," he said, "there’s not going to be really a lane.

“What a great way to start the game like that, for everybody, our offensive line and backs and everybody.”

With Andrew Vorhees inactive, Patrick Mekari slid from right tackle to left guard and has now started at every position on the offensive line during his career. The unit replaced three starters from last season and was also affected by the sudden death of offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris late in training camp.

Henry signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Ravens this offseason (with $9 million guaranteed) following eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He leads the NFL in rushing through four games (480 yards) and is averaging a career-best 6.0 yards per carry. His 24 rushes for a first down ranks second in the league.

“If you look at the guy, he’s all legs,” Ricard said. “So, it’s impressive. He’s one of one. It’s why he’s been one of the best backs in this league. I’m just so happy to have him here and block for him.” 

The Ravens are a team whose quarterback won his second MVP award primarily because of his feats in the passing attack last season. Yet, the Ravens prioritized the ground game in free agency by adding Henry. Harbaugh referenced the history of the organization being about running the ball and playing “great” defense. 

"That's kind of what we've always been about," Harbaugh said.

With Henry – and Jackson – as the focal points, the Ravens are remaining true to that identity.

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