When the NFL playoff picture starts to solidify, teams often begin assessing their strengths and weaknesses, aiming to make key moves that could propel them into Super Bowl contention. For the Baltimore Ravens, one name that could shift their fortunes dramatically is none other than Derrick Henry, the bruising running back whose name has become synonymous with punishing, game-altering runs. If the Ravens were to acquire Henry, or if they manage to pair his formidable talents with their own established strengths, they could quickly become one of the most fearsome teams in the postseason.
### The Ravens’ Formula for Success
The Baltimore Ravens have long been a team known for their ground-and-pound mentality, ever since they drafted Lamar Jackson and revamped their offensive philosophy to match his electric running ability. Under Jackson, the Ravens have become one of the most dynamic rushing teams in the NFL, utilizing a heavy mix of zone-read options and creative run schemes that allow Jackson to shine both as a passer and a ball carrier.
In 2020, the Ravens broke the single-season rushing record for a team with 3,071 rushing yards, an achievement that not only highlighted Jackson’s ability but also the strength and depth of the team’s offensive line and supporting backs. Yet, while the Ravens’ rushing attack has been formidable, there has always been room for an upgrade—a true, power-back type who could not only complement Jackson but help carry the load when the weather turns cold, and the games become a battle of wills in the postseason.
Derrick Henry is that player.
### The Power of Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry has been the most dominant running back in the NFL over the past several seasons. His combination of size, speed, and power has made him a nightmare for defenses, especially in the latter stages of games. At 6’3” and 247 pounds, Henry is a rare blend of brute force and breakaway speed. His 2020 campaign, in which he ran for over 2,000 yards, is among the greatest individual seasons ever for a running back. What makes Henry truly special is his ability to wear down defenses throughout the course of a game and then impose his will when the game is on the line.
Henry’s unique blend of traits allows him to take over in critical moments, a skill the Ravens could certainly benefit from in the postseason. His physical running style would mesh well with the Ravens’ philosophy. They’re already one of the best teams at dominating time of possession, and adding Henry to the equation would only make them more difficult to stop.
### Why Derrick Henry Would Fit the Ravens
#### 1. **An Immediate Upgrade to the Running Game**
The Ravens’ running game has been productive, but Henry would give them an undeniable physical presence that opposing defenses would have to respect immediately. While Jackson can make plays with his legs and the Ravens have solid backs like Gus Edwards, none of them can match Henry’s ability to dominate a game for four quarters.
Henry is the type of back who demands defensive attention, often forcing defenders to commit multiple bodies to slow him down. In turn, this opens up opportunities for Jackson to exploit defenses in the passing game. Lamar Jackson’s play-action pass opportunities would skyrocket with Henry in the backfield, as linebackers and safeties would be forced to respect Henry’s bruising runs.
Moreover, in short-yardage or goal-line situations, Henry could take over in a way that Edwards, for example, simply cannot. His ability to pick up tough yards in critical moments would make the Ravens even more lethal in the red zone. The postseason, where every yard and every possession counts, is the ideal environment for Henry’s physicality to shine.
#### 2. **A Complementary Piece to Lamar Jackson**
One of the most unique aspects of the Ravens’ offense is Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability. He is arguably the best rushing quarterback in NFL history and can make any game-breaking run. However, Jackson has often faced defenses that can focus entirely on stopping him because they don’t have to worry about a dominant, traditional running back.
Enter Derrick Henry: with Henry in the fold, defenses would no longer be able to stack the box and focus solely on Jackson’s legs. If teams load the box to stop Henry, Jackson can make them pay through the air with his playmaking ability at quarterback. If they focus on Jackson, Henry will just continue to churn out yard after yard, forcing defensive coordinators to pick their poison.
Together, Jackson and Henry would form an elite one-two punch, one that can carve up defenses in a variety of ways. If the Ravens also continue to improve their passing game, this dual-threat combination could be nearly unstoppable.
#### 3. **Riding Henry Through the Cold Playoff Weather**
As we’ve seen in past years, the NFL playoffs are often defined by weather conditions—especially in the northern cities where teams like the Ravens play. As temperatures drop and snow starts to fall, teams that rely on the pass can struggle to maintain their rhythm. Conversely, teams with a dominant running game can thrive.
In cold, wintry conditions, Henry is built to perform. His size and ability to push through arm tackles make him a nightmare to bring down in the elements. His style is perfect for playoff football in the AFC, where power running and dominating the clock can be the key to victory. His track record in the postseason is also impressive, where he’s already proven that he can take over games when it matters most.
For the Ravens, a team accustomed to playing in tough weather, Henry would be the ideal postseason running back to carry the load through difficult games, especially against tough teams like the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, or the Cincinnati Bengals.
### The Playoff Implications
If the Ravens were to add Derrick Henry to their playoff roster, they would instantly become one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the AFC. The postseason is often about controlling the game’s tempo and making critical plays in high-pressure moments. The Ravens’ defense, under coordinator Mike Macdonald, is already among the league’s best, and they have an offense that can put up points in a variety of ways. Adding Henry would make them even more difficult to stop.
With Henry leading the backfield and Lamar Jackson in charge of the offense, the Ravens would have a strong case to be considered a Super Bowl contender. A team that can dominate the line of scrimmage with Henry and still stretch the field with Jackson’s big-play ability would make them a matchup nightmare for any defense.
In the cold, physical environment of playoff football, teams like the Ravens, who can wear down defenses with a power back like Henry, are always dangerous. With the postseason around the corner, if the Ravens manage to secure Henry—either by trade or some other means—they could very well be on a collision course with the AFC title, and perhaps even a Super Bowl.
### Conclusion
The Ravens have been building something special over the past few seasons, and with the addition of a player like Derrick Henry, they could rattle bones in the playoffs, setting the stage for a deep postseason run. A backfield led by Henry and Jackson would strike fear in any defense, and in the rough-and-tumble environment of the playoffs, that’s exactly the kind of unit that can make a championship push. If Baltimore can make the move for Henry, they might just be able to “rattle bones” all the way to the Super Bowl.
