Henry excited not to be 'center of attention' next to Lamar
Derrick Henry has inflicted fear on NFL defenses over the last decade, but the new Baltimore Ravens star is looking forward to opponents worrying more about Lamar Jackson in 2024.
"It definitely brings a different aspect because he is a dual-threat quarterback, and he's dangerous with his legs just as he is with his arm," Henry said Tuesday, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. "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."
The former Tennessee Titans standout, who joined Baltimore on a two-year deal in free agency, has twice led the NFL in rushing yards and is one of only eight running backs with a 2,000-yard campaign. Meanwhile, Jackson is coming off his second career MVP season and is the only quarterback ever to rush for 1,000-plus yards twice.
While Henry is excited about receiving less attention from defenses, the Ravens will likely hope the addition of the four-time Pro Bowler can lessen Jackson's workload.
The 27-year-old passer has led the Ravens in rushing yards in each of the past five seasons, an NFL record for a quarterback, with the club topping the league in run offense three times over the span. But Baltimore has only had one running back - Mark Ingram in 2019 - produce over 1,000 yards on the ground.