Derrick Henry says playing with Lamar Jackson will be a ‘breath of fresh air’

After being the main attraction for opposing defenses in Music City, he is happy to have a co-star in Charm City.

For the past six years, Derrick Henry was the main focus of opposing defenses during his tenure as the featured running back and focal point of the Tennessee Titans’ offense.

Despite facing more loaded boxes than any other player during that span, he was able to lead the league in rushing twice, be voted to four Pro Bowls and be named First Team All Pro twice. He eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing in five of those seasons with the lone exception being the 2021 season. In 2021, he recorded 937 yards and 10 touchdowns in just eight games before suffering a foot injury that put him out of commission until the postseason.

The eight-year veteran was the most notable addition by the Baltimore Ravens this entire offseason. Even though he’ll still be the lead running back for the Ravens, his workload won’t be nearly as heavy in the Music City. He’s no longer the only elite rushing threat opposing defenses will have to account for every time he steps on the field.

Not only is two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson the most dynamic quarterback Henry has ever played with in his career, he is the best signal-caller he has ever lined up next to altogether. The 30-year-old is both relieved and excited to be able to play alongside the most dangerous dual-threat quarterback in league history.

“He’s [as] dangerous with his legs just [as much] as he is with his arm,” Henry said in a press conference Tuesday. “It’s going to be fun and a breath of fresh air not being the center of attention, knowing that eyes are going to be on him, as well. But I’m just excited to get to work and put the work in out here and let it all come together, when it’s that time.”

Although Henry has continued to defy the odds, because of conventional wisdom and history for running backs who’ve endured such a heavy workload like his, some pundits still question his viability moving forward. However, the Ravens have experienced the kind of unrelenting and punishing presence Henry runs with firsthand on numerous occasions and believe he has plenty left in the tank.

“I watched the wear and tear that he put on defenses, and ours included, over the years,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s come out, he’s in great shape, he’s a stickler for details – knowing the plays – and he’s moving really well, so I can’t wait to see him in action.

“[Opponents will] have to defend [Henry] and Lamar the full width of the field. … That’s kind of the big-picture concept of it. When he runs down there, it’s going to meaningful.”

Learning new playbooks can sometimes be like adapting to an entirely different language. Players who switch teams are often tasked with digesting a completely new playbook so that they can adjust to the scheme they’re going to be playing in. Henry is capable of running in any system with his unique blend of size, power, vision, footwork and explosiveness. Learning the new terminology is his biggest hurdle at the moment but even that is coming along well.

“It’s definitely different terminology and everything, but it’s a challenge, and it’s fun,” Henry said. “Doing something new is always going to bring a challenge to it, but I embrace it. It’s been fun learning. Guys [are] helping me. [The] running backs coach, Coach ‘Tag’ [Willie Taggart] is helping me, as well. And [I] just continue to grow, continue to learn everything and let it [translate] on the field.”

Acclimating to a new locker room and work environment can sometimes be just as challenging as moving to a new city or learning a new scheme. That’s especially true when a veteran player has been with one team in their entire career prior to joining their new one.

After admiring the Ravens’ culture from afar, Henry is excited to actually be a part of it.

“The culture is just like I expected,” Henry said. “[We] work hard, there’s togetherness, a brotherhood, [and] everybody pushes each other on all sides of the ball. This has been fun – learning, getting to know everybody – but [I’m] just trying to my job, as well.”