Is there a better fit in football than Derrick Henry in Baltimore?

There’s no mystery about what we are going to get from Baltimore. They are well coached and John Harbaugh has created that nasty, bully culture that informs everything they do during the offseason. We can expect another season of magic from Lamar Jackson. A run heavy approach that punishes opposing defenses and a defense with a dominant front seven. But the question is, can this team finally get over the hurdle that is the Kansas City Chiefs?

Unfortunately, Baltimore always seems to suffer a midseason and a late season injury that derails their Super Bowl aspirations. Roster depth on this team is interesting. There never seems to be a big drop off when a star goes down, but maybe that’s more to do with scheme or the fact that the starters aren’t head and shoulders better than the backups. Whatever it is, the team continues to turn out winning seasons, even if they haven’t been able to figure out that missing ingredient to reach the championship game.

Maybe Derrick Henry is that piece. But considering he’s 30 years old, adding in his usage rate and style of play, and he’s no lock to play a full season. If they can create a solid rotation in the backfield to try and save Henry for the post season they should be able to make a deep run.

I just wish they would have found a top outside receiver this offseason to help Lamar Jackson in the passing game. Relying on the two tight ends may be efficient, but this team needs big play potential through the air to help open up the running game. They’ve struggled to replace Hollywood Brown since he left and how ironic they may be facing him with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line.

Home field in the playoffs might be the difference maker on whether these Ravens finally break through.

2024 Prediction: 13-4 1st AFC North/Playoffs AFC Championship