Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry totaled 16 rushing touchdowns, tying for No. 1 in the NFL last season alongside Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Buffalo Bills running back James Cook. Yet, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley still exceeded Henry in rush attempt totals by the number of 20. While Barkley finished 2024 with 345 rushing attempts and the glory of being victorious in Super Bowl LIX, Henry finished with 325 carries, and an early playoff exit.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 16: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens participates in warmups prior to the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Henry and Barkley ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in total rushing yards last season, and the statistical separation between them is directly tied to their usage. Even though Barkley was subject to the play-calling of pass-loving offensive coordinator Kellen Moore (who is now the head coach of the New Orleans Saints), Moore still made sure to run the ball at a higher clip than any other NFL team in the Eagles’ 2024 Super Bowl run.It’s really not rocket science; the Ravens are best when Henry gets 22 or more carries per game. In all five Ravens’ regular-season losses last season, Henry averaged an accumulative 14.8 carries. In wins, Henry averaged 20.9 carries. So herein lies the catch-22. In the 27-25 AFC Divisional loss to the Buffalo Bills, Henry had just 16 carries the entire game. If these stats aren’t enough of an indicator and cognitive dissonance overrides all facts, then so be it. However, offensive coordinator Todd Monken continues to ignore the clear variables that lead the team astray on the biggest stages. Ultimately, Henry may very well still be the best running back in the NFL, but if the ideals of Monken continuously shadow his usage, what’s the use? At age 31, Henry, like teammate DeAndre Hopkins (age 33) are reaching the latter part of their NFL careers. Both men signed with the Ravens in hopes of getting their first Lombardi Trophy. Well, prioritizing Henry in the offense gives them both the best chance at achieving that goal.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Derrick Henry needs more touches if Ravens want Super Bowl glory