The Baltimore Ravens know what awaits them in Brazil. The Dallas Cowboysfeatureone of the NFL's most explosive offenses. Their unit can put points on the board quickly and force opponents into uncomfortable situations.
That reality should influence Baltimore's approach. Game plans vary from week to week, but one thing is certain. Against a Cowboys defense that has shown vulnerability through two games
, a steady dosage of Derrick Henry could produce significant results.Whether he is carrying the football, catching passes, or helping control the flow of the game, the Ravens have several opportunities to maximize one of their most dangerous offensive weapons. Good running games travel, and nothing says 'travel' like a game in Rio de Janeiro. Here
are three ways Henry can shine in Week 3.
Ravens can involve Derrick Henry in the passing game
Derrick Henry has spent most of his career punishing defenders as a runner, but he's also proven himself a capable receiver when given opportunities. That could become especially important this week.
Zay Flowers missed Wednesday and Thursday's practice, leaving questions about his availability for Sunday. If he is limited or unavailable, Lamar Jackson may need additional options in the passing game. Henry can help fill part of that void.
Just as importantly, Dallas has struggled to prevent explosive plays. Getting Henry the football in space could create favorable matchups against linebackers and defensive backs who would much rather tackle him near the line of scrimmage than in the open field. Screens, checkdowns, and designed passes could all become valuable tools for Baltimore's offense. Few sights are more intimidating for a defense than Henry building momentum with room to run.
Use Derrick Henry to control the tempo
The Cowboys would love to turn Sunday's game into a track meet. With Dak Prescott distributing the football to CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jake Ferguson, and a talented supporting cast, Dallas possesses the type of offense capable of scoring quickly.
One of the best ways to counter that threat is by keeping those playmakers on the sideline. That is where Henry becomes more than a running back.
Long, methodical drives can shorten the game, wear down the opposing defense, and reduce the number of possessions Dallas has. Baltimore does not need Henry to break a long touchdown run every time he touches the football. Consistent gains and first downs can be just as valuable. If the Ravens establish the run early and let Henry become the centerpiece of sustained drives, they can dictate the pace rather than letting the Cowboys do so.
Baltimore can lean on the rushing attack more often during the second half
One criticism of Todd Monken's offense was that it occasionally drifted away from Derrick Henry despite evidence that he was impacting the game. That shouldn't have happened under the current coaching staff.
Yet against the New Orleans Saints, Henry received only five carries during the second half of a competitive game. At one point, he was even standing on the sideline on a third-and-one. On the surface, that feels like a scenario where Henry should almost automatically be involved.
The situation felt eerily familiar to Baltimore's Week 18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. In that game, Henry dominated the first half with 15 carries for 112 yards but received exactly five carries after halftime as the Ravens watched a winnable game slip away.
Final analysis
Nobody is suggesting Baltimore should become predictable. The Ravens have Lamar Jackson for a reason. Balance matters. Still, there is a difference between balance and abandoning one of your greatest strengths.
If Henry is running effectively in Brazil, the Ravens should continue feeding him. Doing so would help control possession, keep the Cowboys' offense off the field, and potentially create opportunities for Jackson and the passing game later in the contest.
The Ravens signed Derrick Henry to help win games against quality opponents. Sunday's showdown with the Cowboys qualifies. Whether it comes through the air, on the ground, or by helping Baltimore dictate the pace, Henry has multiple avenues to impact this matchup. If the Ravens are serious about leaving Brazil with a win, making No. 22 a focal point of the offense is a good place to start.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens have 3 ways to unleash Derrick Henry against the Cowboys
