The Herd: Kyle Van Noy discusses his fit with the Ravens, Lamar Jackson, and Derrick Henry.
In a world where the NFL offseason is packed with trades, signings, and moves that could drastically alter the fate of a team, Kyle Van Noy has found himself at the center of attention as he discusses his fit with the Baltimore Ravens, his relationship with Lamar Jackson, and the prospect of facing off against a titan like Derrick Henry. Recently, on The Herd, Van Noy, who has built a solid reputation as a versatile linebacker in the NFL, shared his thoughts on these key topics, giving fans and analysts alike a deeper look into what’s next for his career and the impact he hopes to make on the Ravens.
In the wake of several significant moves by the Ravens, including the acquisition of several key players in free agency and the NFL draft, Van Noy’s comments have fueled discussions surrounding Baltimore’s evolving defense, their offensive future, and the potential dynamics of their upcoming season. In this in-depth analysis, we will explore Van Noy’s perspective on his role with the Ravens, his thoughts on Lamar Jackson as the Ravens’ cornerstone, and his views on the challenge that running back Derrick Henry presents.
Kyle Van Noy’s Fit with the Baltimore Ravens
When it comes to Kyle Van Noy’s fit with the Ravens, he acknowledges that he’s entering an organization with a rich tradition and an incredible culture. The Ravens are known for their tough, aggressive, and disciplined defense, a hallmark that has kept them competitive in the NFL for years. From the dominant Ray Lewis-led defenses of the past to the more recent rise of stars like Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith, Baltimore’s defense has been a constant force.
For Van Noy, who has played for various teams, including the New England Patriots, the Miami Dolphins, and the Los Angeles Chargers, the Ravens offer the kind of defensive mindset that suits his playing style. As a linebacker known for his versatility, Van Noy is eager to step into a system where his skills can be maximized. Whether it’s rushing the passer, covering tight ends, or playing off the ball, he believes that the Ravens’ scheme will allow him to use his unique skill set to its fullest potential.
Van Noy has always prided himself on being a do-it-all linebacker—one who can blitz, cover, and stop the run. In Baltimore, he sees a chance to continue this type of dynamic role, contributing to a defense that is already built to perform at a high level. One of the key aspects that Van Noy points to is the Ravens’ defensive front, which is known for its physicality and ability to create pressure. With the addition of Roquan Smith and the continuous development of key players in the secondary, Van Noy’s ability to contribute to a defense that prides itself on taking the ball away and being disruptive could be an ideal fit.
In his time with the Patriots, Van Noy excelled in Bill Belichick’s defensive system, where versatility was paramount. In Baltimore, under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Van Noy sees a similar approach—one that maximizes player strengths and focuses on the fundamentals of a hard-hitting, disciplined defense. Van Noy has often said that the opportunity to play for a franchise with such a proud history of defensive dominance was one of the most attractive factors in making his decision.
Lamar Jackson’s Impact and Van Noy’s Thoughts on His Leadership
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Baltimore Ravens for the past several seasons has been the future of Lamar Jackson. As a former NFL MVP and one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the game, Jackson is, without question, the face of the franchise. But with contract talks, injuries, and the pressure of carrying the Ravens’ offense on his back for several seasons, Lamar’s situation has been closely scrutinized by fans, media, and players alike.
For Van Noy, however, there is no doubt in his mind that Lamar Jackson is the heartbeat of the Ravens and a key reason why the team remains competitive. When asked about his thoughts on Jackson’s leadership and skill set, Van Noy didn’t mince words, calling Jackson “one of the best players in the NFL.”
Van Noy’s confidence in Jackson is clear, and it’s rooted in the quarterback’s remarkable ability to elevate his team’s play, even when facing adversity. Over the years, Jackson has developed a reputation as an incredibly dynamic dual-threat quarterback—able to make big plays with his arm and his legs. Van Noy recognizes that Jackson’s playing style creates significant challenges for opposing defenses. Jackson’s quickness, agility, and ability to evade pressure make him a nightmare for defenders, and Van Noy acknowledges that it will be a “privilege” to play alongside someone who can generate so much offense.
Lamar’s leadership qualities are another reason Van Noy speaks so highly of him. Even though Jackson has faced criticism at times, especially regarding his playoff performances, Van Noy believes that Jackson is one of the most mentally tough players in the NFL. The quarterback has carried the Ravens on his shoulders for years, and Van Noy believes that Jackson’s work ethic and desire to win will only continue to drive the team forward. “Lamar is a guy who shows up every day, puts in the work, and does everything he can to help his team win,” Van Noy said. “He’s a competitor, and that’s something you want in a quarterback.”
Van Noy’s excitement about playing with Jackson goes beyond just his athleticism. As a defensive player, Van Noy recognizes that playing with a quarterback like Jackson can set up the defense for success. When Jackson is able to move the ball and put points on the board, it takes pressure off the defense, allowing them to play more aggressively and make plays in key situations. The synergy between the offense and defense could create a balanced, dangerous Ravens team that’s tough to beat.
Facing Derrick Henry: A Big Test for the Ravens Defense
While the Ravens’ defense has certainly improved with key additions like Van Noy, they are still facing significant challenges when it comes to stopping some of the league’s most physical offensive players. One of the most daunting tests comes in the form of Derrick Henry, the powerful and elusive running back for the Tennessee Titans. As one of the most dominant players in the NFL, Henry presents a unique challenge for any defense, and Van Noy is fully aware of the difficulties that lie ahead.
Known for his combination of size, speed, and strength, Henry is a force of nature on the field. In recent seasons, the Titans have relied heavily on him to carry the offensive load, and he’s more than capable of doing so. Van Noy recognizes that defending against Henry requires more than just individual talent—it takes an entire defensive unit to slow him down.
“We all know what Derrick Henry can do,” Van Noy said. “He’s one of the most physical players in the NFL, and he’s not easy to tackle. You’ve got to bring your A-game, wrap him up, and make sure everyone is on the same page.” For the Ravens, stopping Henry will be a team effort, and Van Noy’s role as a linebacker will be crucial in both filling gaps and providing support against the run.
In the past, the Ravens have struggled at times with containing elite running backs, and Henry has often been one of their most challenging matchups. But with the addition of Van Noy, the team’s defensive front is deeper and more versatile, giving them the tools to compete with Henry’s punishing style of play.
