Derrick Henry, affectionately known as “King Henry,” is on an extraordinary mission to become the first running back in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards twice. Now playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Henry has already amassed an impressive 873 yards in just seven games, averaging a remarkable 6.5 yards per carry.
His dynamic pairing with last year’s MVP, Lamar Jackson, has been even better than expected, creating a formidable offensive duo that’s captivating fans and analysts alike.
A Dynamic Duo: King Henry and Action Jackson
The combination of Henry and Jackson has elevated the Ravens’ offense to new heights. This offseason, Henry signed a two-year, $16 million contract with Baltimore, adding his bruising running style to the team’s dynamic offensive playbook.
Jackson, delivering another MVP-caliber performance, has thrown 15 touchdown passes so far and is on pace to break his personal best of 36 set in 2019. With Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities, defenses can’t solely focus on Henry, creating opportunities for both stars to shine. This synergy is fueling Henry’s historic push for another 2,000-yard season and Jackson’s 3rd MVP campaign.
Henry’s Path to 2000 Yards
If Henry reaches the elusive 2,000-yard mark this season, it will be a historic achievement. Only eight running backs have ever crossed the 2,000-yard threshold:
- O.J. Simpson (1973) – 2,003 yards
- Eric Dickerson (1984) – 2,105 yards
- Barry Sanders (1997) – 2,053 yards
- Terrell Davis (1998) – 2,008 yards
- Jamal Lewis (2003) – 2,066 yards
- Chris Johnson (2009) – 2,006 yards
- Adrian Peterson (2012) – 2,097 yards
- Derrick Henry (2020) – 2,027 yards
In 2020, Henry reached 2,027 yards with the Tennessee Titans, carrying the ball 378 times for an average of 5.4 yards per carry. What’s remarkable this season is that Henry doesn’t need as many carries to reach the milestone, as his explosiveness and Jackson’s presence are reducing his workload while maximizing his impact.
The 2021 Setback and Comeback
In 2021, Henry was on pace to rush for 2,000 yards again. He had accumulated 937 yards in just eight games, showcasing his consistent dominance. However, a foot injury in Week 8 derailed his season, sidelining him for the remainder of the year.
The injury raised concerns about his durability at the time, but Henry dispelled those doubts with strong performances in 2022 and 2023. His continued dominance this season is further proof of his resilience and determination.
Big Plays Fueling the Campaign
So far this year, King Henry has recorded three runs of over 50 yards, including two that exceeded 80 yards. Remarkably, he has six consecutive games with at least one rush of 25 yards or more, with the only exception being the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. His explosive plays are a testament to his exceptional talent and are driving his historic pursuit.
DERRICK HENRY IS GONE OMG!!!
81-YARD RUN FOR THE KING 👑
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/gGmNVH4pwE
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 22, 2024
Historic Milestone Within Reach
If Henry reaches 2,000 yards this season, he will become the second Raven to achieve the feat, following Jamal Lewis in 2003. Incredibly, Henry was also the second Titan to accomplish the same milestone, after Chris Johnson in 2009.
Achieving this historic feat twice would place Henry in an elite class that transcends the running back position, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players in NFL history.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, all eyes are on Derrick Henry as he continues his pursuit of history. His combination of raw power, breakaway speed, and consistency—alongside Jackson’s dynamic playmaking—makes the Ravens’ offense one of the most dangerous in the league.
Should Henry stay on track, he could not only reach 2,000 yards once again but potentially help lead the Ravens to another Super Bowl run.
We’ll keep you updated on Henry’s journey as he continues to defy the odds and demonstrate a level of durability and dominance rarely seen in modern running backs. With Jackson at his side and the Ravens’ offense firing on all cylinders, Derrick Henry is well-positioned to etch his name in the NFL record books once more.