Derrick Henry expresses relief playing alongside Lamar Jackson: "Breath of fresh air not being the center of attention"
Derrick Henry is excited to play with Lamar Jackson. After spending his career as the focal point of a Tennessee Titans offense, he's thrilled to get to the Baltimore Ravens, where everything runs through Jackson.
He's only had a small taste of it since the minicamp has just begun, but it's been a positive experience.
"It’s going to be fun and a breath of fresh air not being the center of attention, knowing that eyes are going to be on him, as well. But I’m just excited to get to work and put the work in out here and let it all come together," Henry said.
He also stated, via the Athletic, that Jackson brings a different aspect to an NFL offense. Since he is "dangerous" with his arm and with his rushing ability, it's very different than what Henry has played with.
Henry did display a bit of dual-threat capability in his time in Tennessee. On more than a few occasions, he threw short touchdowns on trick plays near the end zone. They were jump throws and few and far between, unlike Jackson who throws and runs every single game.
Henry was a highly sought-after player by the Ravens. They reportedly tried to trade for him at last year's trade deadline but were unsuccessful. When he became a free agent, they went out and signed him to a multi-year deal.
The Ravens have long had one of the NFL's most dynamic backfields, thanks largely to Jackson's presence. They did not have a superstar running back to pair with him until Henry got to town.
Derrick Henry opens up on new role in Baltimore
Derrick Henry's role with the Baltimore Ravens will be different from the one he had with the Tennessee Titans. The running back will no longer be the only player that the defense focuses on and he will be a secondary piece at that.
Via Alabama.com, he said:
“I think me just doing my job and executing, being efficient in everything that I do so we help one another. My job is being explosive, making explosive runs, being a threat in the run game and anywhere else they ask me to help out this offense. So, it’s just on me to focus on doing my job, just so I’m a threat to opposing defenses.”
Opposing defenses will now have to contend with two of the NFL's most successful runners.