The Baltimore Ravens’ 0-2 start has left fans scratching their heads, especially when it comes to their use of newly acquired superstar running back Derrick Henry.
Many expected Henry to be the solution to the team’s fourth-quarter woes, but his limited usage has raised eyebrows across the league.
In the first two games, Henry’s impact has been minimal, averaging a mere 4.2 yards per carry – a far cry from the dominant force fans are accustomed to seeing.
This unexpected turn of events hasn’t gone unnoticed by NFL analysts, including ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, who recently voiced his concerns about the situation.
Greenberg didn’t mince words when discussing the Ravens’ perplexing strategy:
“Through two weeks, they have forgotten to give the ball to Derrick Henry. In the final 10 minutes of each of their first two games this year, both of which were right there to be won. Derrick Henry has a combined total in that 20 minutes of football of 3 carries.”
“Explain this to me!”@Espngreeny can’t fathom why the Ravens aren’t using @KingHenry_2 late in the 4th quarter 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8H9ABPNRYw
— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) September 20, 2024
The analyst’s frustration is palpable, and he’s not alone in wondering why the Ravens aren’t leveraging such a dynamic player to their advantage.
If Baltimore hopes to turn their season around, they need to rethink their offensive game plan.
This means embracing a more balanced approach that plays to Henry’s strengths, particularly in the latter stages of games when defenses start to tire.
Improving the offensive line’s performance is crucial for creating those running lanes that Henry thrives on.
Additionally, offensive coordinator Todd Monken needs to get creative, incorporating Henry into both the ground game and passing attack to maximize his impact.
By adopting this strategy, the Ravens could potentially solve their issues with maintaining leads and avoid those frustrating double-digit collapses that have plagued them so far this season.
