Ravens RB Derrick Henry projected to hold off Father Time with one of his best seasons yet
Typically, when RBs in the NFL hit an age that starts with the number three, the league has all but moved on. But if we know anything about Derrick Henry, it's that he's far from a typical RB. So when NFL Media dropped their bold predictions for the 2024 season, seeing Henry projected to have […]
Typically, when RBs in the NFL hit an age that starts with the number three, the league has all but moved on.
But if we know anything about Derrick Henry, it's that he's far from a typical RB.
So when NFL Media dropped their bold predictions for the 2024 season, seeing Henry projected to have one of his best seasons ever at age 30 isn't as crazy as you may think:
Derrick Henry Projected to Go for 1600 Yards
This is the free-agency marriage we all wanted, and the Ravens and Henry will be just as great a fit as we imagined. The Ravens had one of the most efficient running games last season, but introducing Henry is a game-changer. Even at 30 years old, he should lead the league in carries (as he has in four of the last five seasons) and could accumulate more rushing yards than he has in any season except 2020, his 2,000-yard effort. Yes, the Ravens lost three starting offensive linemen (tackle Morgan Moses and guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler), but they also seem to have a knack for finding and developing replacements. The Ravens had one of the league's highest-scoring offenses last season and that will be a boon for Henry. Get a lead, give him the ball, bleed the clock. That's a recipe for a Ravens playoff run. -Judy Battista, NFL Media
The only time Henry rushed for more than 1600 yards was his age 26 season, which saw him go for over 2,000 yards and 17 total touchdowns, resulting in a first-team All-Pro honor and Offensive Player of the Year award.
No one should expect that level of play from Derrick Henry in Baltimore.
But just last year, on a bad offense that featured no weapons on the perimeter, a rookie QB, and a makeshift offensive line, the King played in all 17 games and rushed for over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.
So to think that he couldn't add another 400-500 yards to that total while playing with a two-time MVP, in a heavy run scheme and behind one of the league's best units up front really isn't that far-fetched.
And sure, the wear and tear from being a bully at both Alabama and with the Titans is there, but Henry has proven to be extremely durable and trains in the offseason in an efficient manner.
So when the calendar turns to January, don't be shocked to see 1,600+ yards in Henry's stat sheet.
