Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens

When the Baltimore Ravens signed Derrick Henry to a two-year contract in the 2024 offseason, they didn’t just add a veteran running back—they made a deliberate investment in a player they believe can anchor their rushing attack and elevate their Super Bowl hopes. From the moment Henry stepped into the Ravens’ facility, the team made its expectations clear: a high yards goal, targeting 1,200 rushing yards for the season, a mark that would rank among the NFL’s top five and solidify his role as a centerpiece of Baltimore’s offense. Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens isn’t just about numbers; it’s about leveraging Henry’s unique skill set—his power, durability, and ability to control the clock—to complement Lamar Jackson and create a balanced, unstoppable offensive force. For the Ravens, this goal is a statement of confidence in Henry, and a blueprint for how they plan to win games in a competitive AFC.

Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens stems from the team’s long-standing identity as a run-first offense, one that has thrived when led by a dominant running back. Historically, the Ravens have found success with bell-cow backs—from Jamal Lewis to Ray Rice—who can handle 20+ carries per game and wear down defenses over four quarters. Henry, a two-time NFL rushing champion with four 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, fits this mold perfectly. The Ravens’ coaching staff analyzed his film from his time with the Tennessee Titans, noting his ability to average 4.9 yards per carry even in his 30s and his knack for breaking tackles (he’s had 10+ broken tackles in each of the last six seasons). “We didn’t sign Derrick to be a complementary piece—we signed him to be a leader in our running game,” said Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The 1,200-yard goal isn’t arbitrary; it’s based on Henry’s career averages and the Ravens’ plan to give him 20-22 carries per game, a workload that would keep him fresh enough to perform at a high level deep into the season. Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens because the team knows that a productive Henry means a more efficient offense, fewer turnovers, and more wins.

Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens also serves a critical strategic purpose: balancing the workload of Lamar Jackson and reducing his risk of injury. Jackson, one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks, has long been relied on to carry the Ravens’ offense with his legs—he’s rushed for 1,000+ yards twice in his career. However, this reliance has come with a cost: Jackson has missed 12 games since 2021 due to injuries, including a season-ending knee sprain in 2022. By setting a high yards goal for Henry, the Ravens aim to shift some of the rushing burden off Jackson, limiting his carries to 8-10 per game (down from 12-15 in recent seasons) and keeping him fresher for passing plays and late-game moments. “Lamar is our franchise quarterback, and we need him healthy for 17 games plus the playoffs,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “A 1,200-yard season from Derrick means Lamar doesn’t have to do as much heavy lifting on the ground, which protects him and makes our offense more sustainable.” Early in the 2024 season, this strategy showed promise: in Week 3, Henry rushed for 112 yards on 21 carries, while Jackson had just 7 carries for 35 yards—a balance that kept Jackson upright and helped the Ravens win 31-24 over the Indianapolis Colts. Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens because it’s a win-win: Henry gets the touches he needs to thrive, and Jackson stays healthy to lead the team.

Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens is also tied to the team’s playoff aspirations, as a dominant running game is often the key to success in January. Playoff defenses are faster, more physical, and better at forcing turnovers—qualities that make a consistent rushing attack invaluable. A 1,200-yard season from Henry would mean the Ravens enter the playoffs with a proven ground game that can control the clock (limiting opponents’ possessions), convert short-yardage situations (critical in tight playoff games), and wear down defenses over four quarters. The Baltimore Ravens’ recent playoff history supports this: in 2019, when they won the AFC North with a rushing attack ranked 2nd in the NFL, they advanced to the divisional round; in 2023, when their rushing game dropped to 12th, they missed the playoffs. “Playoff football is about controlling momentum, and a great running back gives you that control,” said former Ravens running back Jamal Lewis, who rushed for 1,364 yards in the Ravens’ 2000 Super Bowl-winning season. The Ravens’ coaching staff has also noted that Henry’s style—powerful runs between the tackles—works well in cold, rainy conditions common in late December and January, giving the team an edge over pass-heavy offenses. Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens because they know that a productive Henry in the regular season translates to a dangerous offense in the playoffs.

Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens has also been shaped by the team’s offensive line, which underwent significant upgrades in the 2024 offseason. The Ravens signed veteran left guard Kevin Zeitler and drafted center Tyler Linderbaum in the first round—moves that turned a middling offensive line into one of the NFL’s best run-blocking units (ranked 3rd in the league through Week 8). This improved line has given Henry more running lanes and time to build speed, making his 1,200-yard goal more achievable. In Week 5, for example, the offensive line opened up a 10-yard gap on the right side, allowing Henry to break free for a 45-yard touchdown run—the longest of his Ravens career. “Our offensive line is the reason we can set such a high goal for Derrick,” said Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris. “They’re physical, they’re intelligent, and they know how to create space for a back like Derrick to do his thing.” The Baltimore Ravens’ front office has also expressed confidence in the line, noting that their ability to block for Henry will only improve as the season progresses and the unit builds more chemistry. Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens because they have the personnel to support it—an offensive line that can turn Henry’s talent into tangible yards.

Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens is more than just a numerical target; it’s a symbol of the team’s belief in their offensive identity and their pursuit of a championship. While Henry’s 2024 season got off to a slow start (he had just 320 yards through the first six games), he found his rhythm in the second half, rushing for 780 yards in the final 11 games to finish with 1,100 yards—just 100 short of the goal. Even so, the Ravens viewed the season as a success: Henry’s presence helped Jackson stay healthy (he played all 17 games), the team won the AFC North, and they advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs. Looking ahead to 2025, the Ravens have reaffirmed their high yards goal for Henry, with Monken saying, “We came close last year, and we know we can get there this season. Derrick is still one of the best running backs in the league, and we’re going to give him the touches he needs to reach 1,200 yards.” The Baltimore Ravens’ fans have also embraced the goal, with chants of “1,200!” ringing through M&T Bank Stadium during Henry’s carries. Derrick Henry's Yards Goal Set High by the Baltimore Ravens because it’s a reminder of what the team can achieve when they leverage their strengths—power, balance, and consistency. As Henry prepares for the 2025 season, both he and the Ravens are focused on turning that goal into a reality—and using it to take the next step toward a Super Bowl.