The NFL’s best dual-threat, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, finds an explosive ally in Derrick Henry, causing a dramatic change in the game’s dynamics.

The NFL’s Best Dual-Threat, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, Finds an Explosive Ally in Derrick Henry, Causing a Dramatic Change in the Game’s Dynamics

In the NFL, the dynamic between quarterback and running back is one of the most crucial relationships on the field. The best teams feature quarterbacks and running backs who not only complement each other but elevate the play of their teammates and change the dynamics of a game. For years, Lamar Jackson has been the Ravens’ centerpiece as a dual-threat quarterback, making defenders and defensive coordinators alike reimagine their strategies to contain him. Now, with the addition of Derrick Henry, one of the most explosive and physically dominant running backs in the NFL, the game’s dynamics could shift in dramatic and unexpected ways.

The pairing of Lamar Jackson, who can both run and pass with equal ferocity, with Derrick Henry, known for his unparalleled power and ability to break off long runs, creates a perfect storm in Baltimore’s offense. The result is a combination of speed, power, and versatility that has the potential to send shockwaves throughout the NFL.

In this article, we will explore the implications of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry joining forces, the potential for reshaping the Ravens’ offensive identity, and how this combination could alter the way defenses must approach the game. We’ll also examine how the dynamics of the NFL may change, both in terms of strategies and expectations for the future.

Lamar Jackson: The NFL’s Best Dual-Threat Quarterback

Lamar Jackson, the reigning NFL MVP and one of the league’s most electrifying quarterbacks, has consistently demonstrated why he is considered the NFL’s best dual-threat. Jackson is a quarterback who is as much a threat with his legs as he is with his arm, and that ability has made him one of the most unpredictable and dangerous players in the game today.

Since entering the NFL in 2018, Jackson’s ability to extend plays with his legs has set him apart. Whether scrambling out of the pocket or using designed quarterback runs, Jackson’s speed and agility have allowed him to leave defenders in the dust. Jackson’s quickness, vision, and decision-making are what make him so difficult to stop. In 2019, he set an NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback, rushing for 1,206 yards and 7 touchdowns. His ability to make plays with his feet has forced defenses to adjust their entire schemes around him, opening up passing lanes and options that many other quarterbacks simply don’t have.

But Jackson’s game isn’t limited to just running. As his career has progressed, he has grown as a passer. He’s shown that he can accurately deliver the ball downfield, read defenses, and make big plays when necessary. His passing abilities were on full display in 2021 when he threw for 2,882 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. More importantly, Jackson has shown an innate ability to perform under pressure. His leadership qualities and composure have made him the face of the Ravens franchise.

Derrick Henry: The Titan of Running Backs

Derrick Henry, who spent the majority of his career with the Tennessee Titans, is regarded as one of the most physically imposing running backs to ever play the game. Known for his incredible speed and power, Henry is a rare blend of size and agility that makes him nearly impossible to tackle in the open field. Standing at 6’3” and weighing in at 247 pounds, Henry is a nightmare for defenders who try to bring him down with a simple arm tackle. When he gets to the second level, defenders are forced to choose between getting trucked or trying to outpace a freight train.

The most notable feature of Henry’s game is his ability to take over games. While many running backs are used in short bursts, Henry has the stamina and durability to carry the ball 25-30 times per game without skipping a beat. In 2020, Henry became only the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, finishing with an astounding 2,027 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. His combination of size, power, and breakaway speed makes him one of the most feared running backs in the NFL.

Moreover, Henry is a versatile player who can be used in multiple ways, not just between the tackles. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a well-rounded weapon for the offense. Henry’s unique combination of traits allows him to dominate both in short-yardage situations and in long runs that take over entire games.

The Dynamic Duo: Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry

The pairing of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry is a game-changer for the Baltimore Ravens. The two players bring complementary skill sets to the table, and together, they form one of the most dynamic and explosive duos the NFL has ever seen. Their combined athleticism, vision, and football IQ make them an incredibly difficult duo to stop.

The Ravens have long been known for their ground-and-pound, run-heavy offense, but the addition of Henry adds a new layer to their already potent rushing attack. Jackson’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field, combined with Henry’s ability to barrel through tacklers, creates an offensive scheme that can take control of any game.

In a traditional running back-quarterback pairing, the quarterback typically hands the ball off and lets the running back do the heavy lifting. However, with Jackson’s dual-threat ability, the Ravens now have a situation where both players can attack defenses in multiple ways. The threat of Jackson running or passing the ball keeps defenders on their toes, while Henry’s punishing running style forces defenders to account for him on every play.

What makes the pairing so unique is the element of unpredictability it creates. When the Ravens run the ball, it can be difficult to tell if it will be Jackson breaking through the defense on a quarterback-designed run or Henry powering through multiple defenders. The defense can no longer focus solely on one or the other; they are forced to prepare for both threats. This keeps defensive coordinators up at night, knowing that they must scheme for two of the most physically gifted players in the game today.

The Impact on the Ravens’ Offensive Identity

Baltimore’s offense is already one of the most potent in the NFL, but the addition of Henry only strengthens their identity as a team that thrives on the ground. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who took over the Ravens’ play-calling duties, can now design plays that feature a perfect balance of running and passing.

With Henry in the backfield, the Ravens have the ability to wear down opposing defenses, running the ball repeatedly and allowing Jackson to take advantage of play-action opportunities. The defense must commit to stopping Henry, opening up lanes for Jackson to make passes over the top to receivers like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.

In the red zone, the combination of Jackson and Henry becomes even more dangerous. Teams are going to have to decide if they want to focus on containing Jackson, who can easily escape the pocket and make plays with his legs, or if they want to stack the box and stop Henry, who can bulldoze his way into the end zone. This creates a difficult scenario for defenses, who will be forced to play more conservatively, allowing Jackson to pick apart defenses through the air or on the ground.

The introduction of Henry also opens up new opportunities for Jackson’s development as a passer. With the defense focusing on Henry, Jackson will have more time and space in the pocket to make throws, and he’ll likely face fewer defenders in pass coverage. This allows him to become more comfortable in the passing game and refine his skills.

Changing the Game’s Dynamics Across the NFL

The pairing of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry has the potential to alter the way the game is played. For years, the NFL has been trending toward a more pass-heavy approach, with teams focusing on explosive offenses and quarterbacks who can sling the ball downfield. The Ravens, however, are building a team that will thrive on a potent running game while still maintaining the ability to pass effectively when necessary.

This dual-threat approach harkens back to an era when running backs were the focal point of the offense, but it adds a modern twist by including a quarterback who can make plays with his legs. The success of the Ravens’ offense could spark a shift in the league, where teams realize the power of a dominant running game combined with a quarterback who can execute in both the passing and running game. Teams may begin to realize that having a quarterback like Jackson, who can dictate the game with his legs, paired with a physical powerhouse like Henry, could be the key to controlling time of possession and dictating the flow of games.

Defenses will be forced to adjust, and defensive coordinators will have to find new ways to stop two of the most unique and explosive weapons in the league. The blueprint for success in the NFL may evolve, with more teams looking to create similar dynamic duos in the backfield and at quarterback.