When Derrick Henry stepped onto the field for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams, he faced more than just the challenge of a competitive opponent. The previous evening, Saquon Barkley had delivered a jaw-dropping performance for the Philadelphia Eagles, rushing for an astounding 255 yards in a game that secured a victory over the Rams.
With Barkley’s record-setting game fresh in everyone’s minds, all eyes were on Henry to see how he would respond. Would Barkley’s heroics fuel his determination or cast an imposing shadow over his own efforts?
Henry, however, rose to the occasion with an impressive outing of his own, racking up 140 rushing yards on 24 carries. After the game, he took a moment to reflect on Barkley’s achievement in his signature lighthearted style, jokingly addressing the Eagles’ star rusher while praising the resurgence of the running back position in the NFL.
“First of all, Saquon, ‘Slow your a** down,’ d**n,” Henry said with a laugh. “He’s a hll of a player, [and the Eagles are] a hll of a team. They’ve been doing a great job. How many games have they won, like nine straight, I think? But as far as running backs, we just want to go out there and do our job effectively, show that the position matters, and add value for the future of this role. Hopefully, we’re paving the way for the next generation of backs to get paid and thrive. It’s a great time to have success, and I hope it inspires others.”
The debate over the importance of running backs has been reignited this season, with stars like Barkley, Henry, and Jahmyr Gibbs—who was selected 12th overall in the 2023 draft—proving the value of the position. Whether this marks the full-fledged return of the running back as a draft-day priority or remains a case-by-case situation remains to be seen.
Preparing for the Eagles’ Formidable Defense
Looking ahead, Henry has little time to savor his Week 13 performance. The Ravens face the Eagles’ elite rushing defense in a highly anticipated clash. Philadelphia, ranked seventh in the NFL for fewest rushing yards allowed, presents a tough test for Henry and the Ravens’ ground game.
Speaking about the upcoming matchup, Henry emphasized the importance of preparation and focus.
“We got a great win against a great team, but it’s a short week, and we’ve got to play Sunday,” Henry said. “[We’ll] enjoy this win for a moment, but then it’s all about getting ready for the Eagles. They’re a great team, and every week feels like we’re up against tough opponents. We’ve got to stay locked in, execute, and get our bodies right for Sunday.”
Averaging 6.0 yards per carry this season, Henry will lead Baltimore’s rushing attack against an Eagles defense that has allowed only 4.3 yards per carry. The clash promises to be a showcase of strength and strategy. Fans won’t want to miss this pivotal showdown as two of the league’s top rushing units collide.
