Derrick Henry Calls Lamar Jackson ‘Best Player in the League’ and Says Their Duo Is Even Better Than Expected

The Henry‑Jackson Connection

When Derrick Henry stepped onto the Ravens’ practice field in early 2024, few could guess how quickly his chemistry with Lamar Jackson would reshape Baltimore’s offensive identity. The former Tennessee Titans workhorse arrived with a résumé of 15,000‑plus rushing yards, but the Ravens’ culture of grit and the quarterback’s electrifying dual‑threat style gave him a new playground.

Speaking to The Athletic’s Michael Silver, Henry described the first season together as “electric.” He praised Jackson not just for raw talent but for the intangible leadership that defines a locker room. “He’s the best player in the league, and it shows every single game day,” Henry said. “He works hard, he’s the leader of this team, and it was fun. It’s just a great culture around here, and you see why they have the slogan, ‘Play like a Raven.’ It’s a brotherhood—hard work and physical play that’s relentless and disciplined.”

Statistically, the partnership echoed the praise. Henry rushed for a career‑high 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns, posting an unprecedented 5.9 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Jackson recorded 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and a league‑leading QBR of 77.3, repeating his top‑quarterback rating from the previous year. The synergy wasn’t just numbers; it was visible on film. Jackson’s designed runs and surprise scrambles forced defenses to spy on him, opening split‑second lanes for Henry to exploit his vision and breakaway speed.

• Jackson’s average time in the pocket dropped by 0.4 seconds, giving Henry more clear‑field opportunities.
• Ravens’ yards per carry rose from 4.2 in 2023 to 5.1 in 2024 when Jackson was the primary passer.
• In games where Jackson threw for 300+ yards, Henry’s rushing average jumped to 6.3 yards per carry.

Off the field, Henry highlighted how the team’s ethos helped him settle quickly. The “Raven” brand, built on physicality and collective accountability, resonated with the veteran’s own work ethic. He noted that the “brotherhood” extended beyond the gridiron, shaping daily routines, film sessions, and even post‑practice meals.

What Lies Ahead for Baltimore

As the 2025 campaign looms, the Ravens are deliberately keeping their veterans fresh. Coach John Harbaugh announced that Henry, Jackson, Justice Hill, Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Mark Andrews would sit out all preseason games. The plan: preserve health, fine‑tune play‑calling, and arrive at the regular season opener with maximum intensity.

Training camp reports suggest Henry is still in prime condition at 31, running drills without the wear‑and‑tear that typically slows a back of his age. Jackson, meanwhile, appears to have refined his pocket presence under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, blending his improvisational flair with a more disciplined passing game. The duo’s offseason focus has been on expanding the play‑action playbook, adding roll‑outs that disguise Henry’s handoffs even further.

The Ravens’ offensive line, led by veteran tackle Ronnie Stanley, also returned largely intact. With 10 starters back, Baltimore retained its rank as the NFL’s top yard‑per‑game unit in 2024. Analysts project that the combination of a reinforced line, a dual‑threat quarterback, and a bruising running back could push the team into the top three in overall scoring.

Week 1 pits Baltimore against the Buffalo Bills, a fitting test that revisits the site of the previous season’s playoff exit. The narrative is simple: can the Henry‑Jackson tandem finally break the Bills’ defensive cadence? Early spring practices indicated a heightened emphasis on red‑zone efficiency, with Jackson designing quarterback‑run options that force linebackers to choose between the QB and the back.

Beyond the first game, the Ravens’ roadmap includes a balanced attack that leans on Jackson’s passing evolution while preserving Henry’s workload. The coaching staff has hinted at a “dual‑rush” system where Hill rotates in to keep Henry fresh for the fourth quarter. This approach mirrors successful models used by teams like the 2020‑21 Titans, who blended a feature back with a complementary runner to maintain stamina throughout the season.

Off the field, the organization’s leadership continues to champion its “no‑limits” mantra. Jackson’s quote, “I believe our offense has no limits. It's no roof. The ceiling is unlimited for our guys,” encapsulates a mindset that extends to the locker room’s daily grind. The culture, according to Henry, isn’t just a slogan—it’s a lived experience that fuels preparation, resilience, and ultimately, performance.

While the NFL landscape is littered with preseason hype that often fizzles, the tangible metrics, veteran health, and refreshed strategic focus give the Ravens a credible shot at a deep playoff run. As the first snaps of the 2025 season approach, all eyes will be on the duo that has already proven it can dominate both the ground and the air, redefining what a modern quarterback‑running back partnership looks like.