Derrick Henry set to rebound against Lions after rocky start despite Ravens’ offensive surge
The Baltimore Ravens have quickly established themselves as one of the premier offenses in the NFL, with quarterback Lamar Jackson at the helm and star running back Derrick Henry in the backfield. However, after a dazzling debut in Week 1, Henry’s performance has raised more questions than answers.
In the season opener, Henry showcased his explosive potential, racking up 169 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Yet, a critical fumble late in the game allowed the Buffalo Bills to mount a comeback, casting a shadow over his otherwise stellar outing. With the pressure mounting, the running back was eager to make a statement against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2, but the results were far from what he had hoped for.
A Disappointing Performance Against the Browns
In stark contrast to his Week 1 heroics, Henry struggled against the Browns, managing only 23 yards on 11 carries, accompanied by yet another fumble. Despite the Ravens’ impressive 41-point outburst, the performance served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Henry as he seeks to regain his form.
CBS Sports analyst John Breech weighed in on Henry’s current predicament, suggesting that the running back has become the Ravens’ “weakest link” on offense. Breech noted, “You could argue that the Ravens’ weakest link on offense this season has been Derrick Henry. In Week 1, he had a huge game with 169 yards, but he also lost a fumble late in the fourth quarter that allowed the Bills to come back and win. In Week 2, he ran for just 23 yards.”
Anticipating a Resurgence Against Detroit
As the Ravens prepare to face the Detroit Lions in Week 3, expectations are high for a resurgence from Henry. Breech is bracing for a fierce response from the running back, stating, “Based on how the first two weeks have gone, I feel like the Lions are going to get an angry Henry. Let me just say that the last person I would ever want to tackle is an angry Henry.”
The Lions’ defense will likely look to replicate the Browns’ game plan of stacking the box to contain the run. Though that strategy proved effective against the Ravens, it’s hard to imagine Henry being held to such meager numbers again. Despite his recent struggles, the running back’s track record suggests he is more than capable of bouncing back with a performance that could eclipse 150 rushing yards.
Lions’ Offense Poised for a Challenge
Adding another layer of intrigue to this matchup is the Lions’ offense, which has shown its ability to keep pace with high-scoring teams, as evidenced by their 52-point explosion against the Chicago Bears. This dynamic could compel Detroit to adopt a more aggressive defensive stance, but it also heightens the stakes for Henry to reclaim his status as one of the league’s elite running backs.
As Henry gears up for this crucial clash, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can shake off the early-season rust and remind everyone why he remains an imposing force on the field.
