New Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has a few things in common with his new team. Like the Ravens, Henry relishes an old school, physical style of football. Also like the Ravens, he’s yearning for a Super Bowl title after coming close in recent years.
It was Henry who fueled a Tennessee Titans run to the AFC Championship game. That run went through M&T Bank Stadium when Henry’s 30 carries for 195 rushing yards fueled a Titans 28-12 win over the No. 1 seeded Ravens.
The Titans fell short in the AFC Championship game when the Kansas City Chiefs beat them. Sound familiar?
Sure it does. It was the Chiefs who did the same against the Ravens last season in the AFC Championship game.
Now Henry joins forces with the Ravens and together they have a clear mission.
“Super Bowl. That’s the goal,” Henry said. “Super Bowl is definitely where I’m at now. I’ve had chances and got close, but that’s what it is right now.”
Henry said it’s not only what he and the team wants. It’s the expectation.
At 30 years old, Henry is considered to be a elderly person by running back years. But, this running back isn’t the ordinary guy and has the right approach.
“I just focus on me being healthy, doing my job when I’m here and then let my play speak for my age and everything else,” Henry said.
Henry’s workouts are legendary. One look at his social media pages will make the average person marvel at the things he does to get ready for the season.
The results have already shown early in Henry’s days in Baltimore. Just ask Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.
“The main thing that’s stood out is just what a great guy he is, what a hard worker, what a pro [he is],” Harbaugh said. “He’s so diligent, [he’s in] great shape, and [he’s] diligent about every single play, everything he does. You can see why he’s been so successful.”
Having Henry in tow should dictate a different focus on the rushing attack from offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Although the Ravens led the NFL with 156. 4 rushing yards per game, Monken abandoned the run when it mattered most, in the AFC Championship game.
There’s no need to rehash those unfortunate circumstances. But, it’s safe to say there would have been a different approach had Henry been in the backfield.
The Ravens haven’t won a Super Bowl since their 2012 team beat the San Francisco 49ers. Henry was setting national high school records as a running back at Yulee High School at that time.
Joining the Ravens will give Henry a chance to compete for a title with a team that’s considered to be a true contender. The match was a natural fit especially since Henry has admired the Ravens throughout his career.
“Playing against them and watching from afar and being their teammate – I think it’s pretty cool. And [I’m] just excited to see what everybody does this year,” Henry said.
Their pursuit for the championship starts this week with the start of training camp.
