Baltimore Ravens fans aren’t the only ones excited to see their new dynamic backfield in action when the regular season begins.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is one of those who can’t wait to see what the backfield looks like with him and running back Derrick Henry, and spoke about that excitement during Baltimore’s 13-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday.
“It’s hard to explain,” Jackson said. “The guy is different. He’s a fast, strong guy. I can’t wait for the games to start and we can show the world what we’re capable of.”
Baltimore already had the best running attack in the league last season, averaging 156.5 yards per game. If the Ravens’ offensive line can maintain last season’s success with three new starters, Jackson and Henry have a chance to be one of the best running duos in the league.
Henry, a former All-Pro, Offensive Player of the Year and four-time Pro Bowler, ran for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns last season behind a Tennessee Titans offensive line that ranked 21st in run-block win rate, according to ESPN Analytics. The Ravens offensive line ranked fifth in run-block win rate last season. Henry, 30, has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in five of his last six seasons.
Baltimore signed Henry to a two-year, $16 million contract this offseason.
Jackson, the reigning MVP, has been one of the league’s best running quarterbacks since entering the league in 2018. The 27-year-old two-time MVP has rushed for at least 700 yards every year since his rookie season, and his five rushing touchdowns last season were his most since 2020.
The Ravens face a tough test on September 5 in their season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have won two consecutive Super Bowls. If Jackson and Henry get off to a great start, it would be a red flag for the league and provide plenty to be excited about.
Don’t forget to bookmark Baltimore Ravens on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film analysis and more!
