In the 2024 NFL season, Derrick Henry has continued to demonstrate why he remains one of the league’s most formidable running backs, defying age and expectations with his unstoppable rushing 2024 performance. Now 30 years old and playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Henry has energized their rushing offense, turning the team into a dominant force on the ground.
After moving from the Tennessee Titans, Henry quickly established a powerful connection with quarterback Lamar Jackson, forming a dynamic duo that has pushed the Ravens’ offense into a new level of explosiveness and consistency.
Standout Achievements Highlight Henry’s Historic 2024 Season
Henry’s 2024 season is marked by impressive numbers: he led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns while handling a heavy workload of 325 carries, accumulating 1,925 yards on the ground—figures rivaling his peak years in Tennessee. His prolific output reflects his ability to remain a top-tier player despite the physical demands of pro football at this stage in his career.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded Henry above 90 in multiple rushing categories, including outside zone, power, and trap plays, setting him apart as one of the most effective backs in the NFL. These ratings showcase his versatility and dominance across different rushing concepts.
Unmatched Strength and Impact in Power Runs
A defining characteristic of Henry’s game is his exceptional power and ability to break tackles. In 2024, he achieved a career-best 90.0 PFF rushing grade on power runs, the highest volume of such attempts since his second NFL season. He led the league in power rush attempts with 54, scoring nine touchdowns and converting 27 first downs, proving his effectiveness in high-contact situations.
His physicality translates into yards after contact—an impressive 76.3% of his rushing yards came after defenders attempted to bring him down, underscoring his resilience and strength. This season, he reached double-digit touchdowns on power rushing plays alone, further solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse running back.
Excelling in Deception-Based and Outside Zone Runs
Beyond brute force, Henry’s success also lies in his ability to excel in deceptive and outside zone plays, demonstrating finesse and precision. Despite initial doubts about the Ravens’ offensive line strength, Henry capitalized on its efficiency, recording 933 yards on 131 outside-zone carries—the most since 2020.
Over the last three seasons, he has led the NFL with 379 outside-zone rushes, gaining 2,028 yards and securing 47 runs of ten or more yards. His elusive nature is evident in the 88 missed tackles he forced during this span, blending power and agility.
Breaking Records with Trap Plays and Strategic Versatility
Henry also showcased his adaptability by thriving in Baltimore’s less frequent trap running plays. Prior to 2024, he had never surpassed three trap carries in a season, but this year, Henry ran 13 trap plays for 200 yards and a touchdown, while achieving seven first downs and six runs over ten yards.
Remarkably, his average yards before contact on trap runs hit 11.8 per attempt, setting a new PFF single-season record. This accomplishment highlights both his vision and quick acceleration, contributing to the Ravens’ innovative offensive strategies.
Ongoing Impact and Future Expectations for Baltimore’s Dynamic Duo
Although Henry did not secure the Offensive Player of the Year award, his remarkable production positions him as a leading candidate for such honors in the near future, working in tandem with Lamar Jackson. Their combination forms a rushing attack that is both powerful and versatile, expected to continue breaking records.
As the Ravens prepare for upcoming seasons, Henry’s age-defying strength and skill paired with Jackson’s agility promise sustained success and excitement. This rushing tandem is central to Baltimore’s offensive identity and is set to keep defending teams under constant pressure.