When the Baltimore Ravens signed running back Derrick Henry last offseason, questions immediately arose about how well he would fit into the team’s offensive scheme alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson. Despite concerns about Henry’s age and style of play, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed strong confidence in the decision, calling the combination a “dream scenario” for the team. This endorsement comes after Henry’s successful integration into Baltimore’s offense during the 2023 season.

Coach Harbaugh’s Enthusiasm for Henry’s Versatility

Harbaugh shared his excitement about having Henry on the roster, recalling the moment he first saw Henry after signing the contract in March 2024. He described the situation as surreal and emphasized his long-standing desire to add Henry to the team. Despite the skepticism from outside observers who doubted Henry’s compatibility with Baltimore’s offensive style, Harbaugh dismissed such opinions as unfounded.

I guess I always wanted him,

Harbaugh said, via Michael Silver of The Athletic.

He was like the dream guy. When I saw him in the building after he signed his contract (in March 2024), I thought, ‘Pinch myself — this is really happening.’ Then, all of a sudden, (outside reaction) was like, ‘Derrick Henry’s done,’ or ‘He can’t fit that offense; he doesn’t fit the Ravens.’ All that craziness. It cracked me up.

Why Henry’s Running Style Works with Lamar Jackson’s Offense

Harbaugh explained that Henry’s skill set matches perfectly with Jackson’s abilities, creating a challenging multidimensional run game for defenses to counter. Henry’s capacity to run through every gap forces opponents to commit extra defenders, opening opportunities for Jackson to either hand off the ball or keep it himself, stretching defenses across the entire field width. The coach stressed how this diversity in running options enhances the overall offensive effectiveness.

People asked me, ‘Why would you take him? He doesn’t fit with Lamar; it’s not going to be a fit in the gun and the pistol and all that?’

And I’m just like, ‘He can do anything. He’s really, really good. Let’s not overthink this.’

Derrick runs every gap, and then there’s the fact that you have to commit so many resources to stopping him coming downhill. And then Lamar can give it to him, or he can keep it, and then the ball can go to any gap, all the way out to the sideline from there. Which means you have to defend pretty much the whole width of the field, pretty much every time that we do any kind of a run play. And it’s Derrick Henry, and if we get any kind of push inside, obviously it makes it that much better.

Injury Updates and Quarterback Challenges for the Cleveland Browns

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns are managing quarterback concerns as fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders is listed day-to-day with an oblique strain, an injury requiring careful handling due to its impact on throwing mechanics. Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted Sanders felt the injury early during warmups and decided to rest him to avoid aggravating the condition.

Yeah, felt it early, I think warming up and then felt it throughout individual [drills], so took a look at it,

Stefanski said, via the team’s YouTube.

If it’s a right guard, you can play through that. When it’s a quarterback, you kind of need that muscle to throw. So, unfortunately, going to put him down for a little bit here. We’ll treat it day-to-day and see how it responds. But, want to be smart because he’s a thrower — you can’t push that thing.

Due to the uncertain readiness of the rookie quarterbacks, the Browns’ staff and analysts believe veteran Joe Flacco is likely to be named the starter. Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline reported concerns that third-round QB Dillon Gabriel tends to leave the pocket against the play design, a habit that could be risky during games this season. Despite quarterback instability, there is optimism around rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who has impressed coaches enough to predict a high tackle count this year.

Steelers Defense Aims to Become Historic Under Coach Mike Tomlin

Elsewhere in the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expressed confidence in his defense’s potential to become an extraordinary unit. He highlighted the team’s talent level and defensive schemes as elements capable of producing historic success, should players align with the coaching plan and meet expectations.

We feel really good about the prospects of this group. We do,

Tomlin said, via PFT.

We’ve got to write that story. We’ve got enough talent, we’ve got enough schematics to do big, big things. When I say big things, I’m talking about historic things.

Implications of Derrick Henry’s Integration on the Ravens’ Future

The successful performance of Derrick Henry alongside Lamar Jackson has not only defied initial criticisms but also created a powerful rushing attack that demands attention from opposing defenses. This tandem’s ability to diversify Baltimore’s offense provides the Ravens with a significant strategic advantage, potentially elevating their competitiveness in upcoming seasons. Coach Harbaugh’s trust in Henry’s abilities signals the team’s commitment to leveraging this unique backfield dynamic as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the NFL.