The Baltimore Ravens’ acquisition of Derrick Henry raised eyebrows. Can a traditional I-back thrive in a system known for its shotgun formations?
The Ravens’ Offensive Shift and Henry’s Role
The Ravens’ signing of Derrick Henry signaled a commitment to bolstering their offensive firepower. Following their AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the front office recognized the need for a dynamic playmaker to complement Lamar Jackson. Henry, a powerful and proven running back, seemed like the ideal solution.
Derrick Henry in a Ravens uniform.
Cosell’s Concerns: A Clash of Styles?
However, NFL analyst Greg Cosell has raised concerns about Henry’s compatibility with the Ravens’ offensive scheme. Historically, Henry has excelled as an I-back, thriving in formations where the quarterback is under center. This allows him to build momentum and utilize his physicality to punish defenses.
The Ravens, under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, frequently operate from the shotgun formation. This presents a challenge for Henry, as taking handoffs from the shotgun position limits his ability to generate the running start he typically relies on.
The 300-Carry Question and Potential Pitfalls
Monken has stated his intention to give Henry 300 carries next season, indicating a significant role for the veteran running back. However, Cosell questions whether this workload is realistic given Henry’s age and playing style. At 30 years old, Henry is coming off a season where he averaged a career-low 4.2 yards per carry.
Overusing Henry early in the season could lead to diminishing returns and potential injury risk, jeopardizing the Ravens’ playoff aspirations. Finding the right balance between maximizing Henry’s strengths and preserving his health will be crucial for Baltimore’s success.
Adapting to a Committee Approach
Furthermore, the Ravens have other capable running backs in Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell. This suggests that Henry may need to adapt to a committee approach, sharing carries and potentially playing a reduced role compared to his time with the Tennessee Titans. How he adjusts to this new dynamic will be another key factor in his effectiveness.
Finding the Formula for Success
The Ravens face the challenge of integrating a traditional I-back into a modern, shotgun-heavy offense. Balancing Henry’s workload, keeping him healthy, and utilizing him in situations where he can maximize his strengths will be critical. The success of this experiment could significantly impact the Ravens’ fortunes in the upcoming season. Finding the right formula for deploying Derrick Henry will be a key storyline to watch in Baltimore.
