(This story has been updated to correct new information and statistics.)
BALTIMORE — The wildly successful Baltimore Ravens backfield wasted no time in asserting itself. Derrick Henry scored the team’s first touchdown from scrimmage 87 yards home against the Buffalo Bills, and the Ravens never looked back as they rolled to a 35-10 victory.
With Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson (equally effective with his legs and right arm), the Ravens have the ability to run all over the team. They’ve continued to do just that, starting with last week’s win over the Dallas Cowboys in a much closer game than necessary.
Henry gained 199 rushing yards on 24 attempts, while Jackson averaged 9 yards per carry (6 on 54 total). Both scored rushing touchdowns, leading to a 5-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter.
At one point late in that quarter, the Ravens and Bills each had 23 offensive plays. Baltimore gained 249 yards (10.8 yards per play) and gained 13 first downs compared to Buffalo’s 82 yards (3.6 yards per play). The 271 total rushing yards allowed by the Bills is the most since the 2017 season, head coach Sean McDermott’s first year on the job.
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Offensive coordinator Todd Monken prefers running the ball over passing. He was able to call games that favored that philosophy, as the Ravens were successful in running the ball and Baltimore finished with 34 runs and 19 passes. Head coach John Harbaugh credited the offensive coaching staff for making the idea of adding Henry a reality.
“It could be this, it could be that,” Harbaugh said. It’s starting to (come together). ”
Henry isn’t afraid to call or email running backs coach Willie Taggart if he has questions about Monken’s offense.
“That’s very important to him,” Harbaugh said. He thought the run variety and creativity helped keep the Bills off balance even though he knew the rush was coming.
After allowing 16 points per game in the first three games, Buffalo’s struggling defense finally showed cracks. The injuries to the linebacker corps were evident as Baltimore’s blockers rushed to the second level and Jackson found positive yardage opportunities in the middle passing game.
However, it was Henry who immediately changed the mood. The Bills received the first kickoff and the Ravens forced a three-and-out. Monken dialed up a “trap” run play, and fullback Patrick Ricard made a key crack block to push Henry through a gaping hole.
Coach Jackson said he knew from reading the film and its cover that the play call could lead to a home run type play. This is the longest streak in Ravens history and the longest in the NFL this season.
“If he gets to the secondary, he’s pretty much gone. He’s hard to get,” Jackson said. Because he doesn’t just have strong backs. He’s fast too. ”
Henry, 30, listed at 6-foot-2 and 247 pounds, is dealing with the belief that he is a step behind. None of the Bills defenders could catch him in the open field. He reached 34.9 mph, tied for fourth-fastest of the season, according to Next Gen Stats.
Rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten, making his first career start, could be heard cheering from the crowd as he thwarted the assignment. He looked up and saw Henry running 15 yards in front of him.
“I knew on that play that I was either going to have a chance to get a real big gain or[losing the tackle],” Rosengarten said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better first play in my first start. No,” he added.
Ricard was tasked with moving across the formation and running out defensive linemen with “three techniques.” His goal was to stay low and surprise defenders.
“Because if you miss it, you really don’t have any lanes,” he said.
“What a great start to a game like this for our offensive line and backs and everyone.”
With Andrew Voorhees inactive, Patrick Mekaru has slid from right tackle to left guard and has started at every position on the offensive line throughout his career. The unit changed three starters from last season, and was also affected by the sudden passing of offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris towards the end of training camp.
Henry signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Ravens this offseason (with $9 million guaranteed) after spending eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He leads the NFL in rushing for four games (480 yards) and is averaging a career-high 6.0 yards per carry. His 24 first down rushes rank second in the league.
“If you look at this guy, he’s got all his legs,” Ricard said. “So that’s impressive. He’s one of them. That’s why he’s one of the best backs in this league. I’m really happy to have him here and be able to block for him. ”
The Ravens are a team whose quarterback won his second MVP award, primarily for his work in the passing attack last season. Still, the Ravens prioritized the ground game by adding Henry in free agency. Harbaugh noted that the organization’s history has been about running the ball and playing “great” defense.
“That’s kind of what we’ve always been about,” Harbaugh said.
With Henry and Jackson under center, the Ravens remain true to their identity.
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