A notable takeaway from veteran analyst figures is that Henry has accumulated far more touches than any other running back since 2018. Even in the most recent season, he averaged 3.6 yards after contact per carry, a mark that ranks among the top in the league. This production comes despite defenses stacking the box against him on a relatively small percentage of plays, indicating that his legs and balance continue to translate into meaningful yardage even when defenses attempt to load the box.
This combination of heavy usage and efficient after-contact production suggests that Henry’s value persists beyond sheer volume. It also raises the possibility that his impact could be amplified in a new offensive system designed to leverage his strengths.
New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle is coming from a previous stop where his teams emphasized balanced run-heavy schemes. In Chicago, his unit logged a high volume of rushing attempts and frequently brought extra blockers to the line to facilitate the run game. The Bears also used motion and multiple tight ends to create looks that made it easier for running backs to find daylight. If Doyle applies a similar approach with the Ravens, Henry could see improved running lanes and more consistent opportunities to convert carries into tangible gains.
Under Doyle, offenses tended to remain committed to the ground game, particularly on early downs. This philosophy helped maximize the effectiveness of each rushing attempt by keeping defenses honest with play-action and misdirection. The potential shift toward a more run-focused approach could help leverage Henry’s experience and running style, potentially yielding more productive carries even as the roster evolves.
However, there are practical considerations for Baltimore beyond Henry’s status as the lead back. While Henry is expected to shoulder the bulk of the workload, depth behind him remains a concern. Veteran backup Justice Hill and a 2026 draft pick, Adam Randall, will need to contribute meaningful snaps to keep Henry fresh. Randall, who transitions from wide receiver to running back, possesses the physical traits to take on a substantial role, but the Ravens will want him to prove durability and game-ready ball security.
The challenge for Doyle will be to replicate the kind of two-back or multi-attack approach that worked in his previous role, even if Henry remains the focal point of the offense. This means balancing carries between Henry and complementary backs to reduce wear on the star, while ensuring the ground game remains a consistent threat that changes the way defenses play Baltimore.
In summary, the data and recent coaching trends suggest Derrick Henry can remain a dominant force for the Ravens in 2026. His high yards-after-contact and workload advantage, combined with a coaching philosophy that favors run progression and streamlined blocking schemes, offer a pathway for continued excellence. The real test will be how well the team integrates additional backs to share the load without diminishing Henry’s effectiveness, and how the offensive line and blocking schemes adapt to sustain a high-efficiency run game throughout the season.
