The Baltimore Ravens' splashiest offseason addition was signing Derrick Henry to a two-year contract.
Now, one of the NFL's best running teams features one of the most dominant running backs of this generation.
Sports Illustrated's Connor Orr believes Henry's presence will boost the Ravens' offense and slightly impact Lamar Jackson's statistical output.
In a column of preseason predictions, Orr predicted that Henry will score "at least" 14 touchdowns — which would be his most since 2020 — and vulture a few from Jackson.
Orr wrote:
"Enjoy the ultimate frustration of having Lamar Jackson on your fantasy team: rushing touchdowns being sniped at the goal line by design. Jackson won’t have to put his body at risk in crunch situations anymore, thanks to Baltimore’s inking of the massive running back. "
In 2023, Jackson ran for his fewest yards per game and fewest yards per attempt. He did have five rushing touchdowns, his most since 2020, all of which came in the red zone.
Henry is unlike any running back the Ravens have had recently, and he figures to get plenty of those red zone opportunities. The Ravens already have a strong running back room, but head coach John Harbaugh had previously predicted that Henry will run for a lot of yards this season — a sign Baltimore won't be shy about using him.
Henry's contract also has incentives tied to touchdowns, so he may be eager for those goal-line opportunities.
Indeed, the Ravens seem to be putting a bit more emphasis on Jackson's development as a passer this season, as he is working on calling audibles at the line of scrimmage.
Ultimately, it's a good thing for Baltimore if it plays out this way: Jackson stays out of harm's way and the Ravens get good use out of their new starting running back.
