Henry’s ability to run over the Steelers in the same way that he ran over the Packers is one of the biggest talking points leading up to Sunday night’s AFC North championship showdown in Pittsburgh.
According to Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Banner, 18 of Henry’s runs came out of an I-formation. This was the most by a ball carrier in a game since at least 2015. His 140 yards were also the most during that time period.
Shaffer stated that it is unclear whether or not the same game plan would be successful against the Steelers. This is especially true if Lamar Jackson, who has a back contusion, does not play.
Shaffer wrote: “In Week 14, Henry carried eight times in I formation for 47 yards (5.6 per carry).” “But he only managed 25 carries totaling 94 yards.”
According to SIS, “despite having to defend Henry with Derrick Harmon injured, one of Pittsburgh’s key run-stoppers, and having to account for Lamar Jackson’s run threat (2 designed carries for 15 yard), the Steelers struck Henry at or below the line of scrimmage ten times.” He only had one run of at least 10 yard. Harmon is expected to play a major role on Sunday, after he has recovered from his injury. Jackson’s future is yet to be determined.
ESPN Bill Barnwell admitted that Henry was capable of putting on another epic performance. “But counting on it may be a bit presumptuous.”
Barnwell wrote that the Ravens were 17th in league for success rates on designed runs going into the Packers’ game. While that was an improvement from earlier in the year, it is a reminder that the Ravens have been more reliant on explosive plays in recent years. They posted a 55.1% success on designed runs in Week 17 against the Packers, with Henry scoring two 25-yard scores and another 30 yard score.
“Can the Ravens maintain that level of play into January?” Lamar Jackson would make it easier, as he has an impact on defensive gravity, and Henry’s attention on the ground. But, it is unclear when Baltimore will get its two-time MVP in the lineup. Tyler Huntley will be the Ravens’ quarterback. They need King Henry to win the AFC North and beat the Steelers.
Dwight Freeney, a Hall of Fame defensive lineman, said that Jackson’s availability was a major factor in determining whether Henry could have another great game.
Freeney told FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams” show that if Lamar didn’t play, the Steelers would put eight players in the box to dare them throw the ball.
Adams said that “the Packers did that.”