The Baltimore Ravens tried to improve after their disappointing 17-10 AFC Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs by signing former Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry during free agency.
On Sunday, Henry spoke with reporters and hinted that he would have made a difference in the game against the Chiefs. When asked if he thinks he could have changed the outcome of the January match, Henry said, “Hell yeah,” as reported by Bobby Kownack of the NFL’s website.
“I wish I could suit up that day watching the game. But now it’s my turn, so got to take advantage of it.”
The Ravens will have a chance to make up for their loss when they play the Chiefs again in the regular-season opener at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night.
“It’s going to be a hell of a game,” Henry said. “The Chiefs are always tough, they’re solid on all three teams. Got to be locked in this week to be able to execute on Thursday.”
The Ravens think Henry’s average of only 4.2 yards per carry in the 2023 season was more due to the Titans’ “below-average offensive line” rather than any sign of him slowing down before he turned 30 this past January.
Baltimore may not need Henry to be at his peak form since they have two-time MVP winner Lamar Jackson at quarterback. It’s clear that Baltimore wants Henry to help take some of the physical pressure off Jackson.
Throughout 2024, there has been a lot of focus on Jackson’s playoff record of 2-4 and his inability to lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl.
Henry mentioned on Sunday that Jackson and the rest of the Ravens have been looking forward to the game against the Chiefs for months, given what happened at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28 of this year.
“It’s who they lost to to get to the big one, so I’m sure that’s in the back of their minds,” Henry said. “We’re going to come out and play Ravens style of football, execute so we can get a W, but yeah, I’m sure that’s in the back of their minds. I’m sure everybody’s locked in and going to be ready to go.”
