The Baltimore Ravens have struggled to produce consistently on offense in consecutive losses, and getting Derrick Henry back on track could be one of the most important factors in Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Baltimore enters Week 8 with a 4-3 record after losses to Cleveland and Cincinnati, two games in which the Ravens struggled to maintain their rushing attack and sustain drives.
Henry has rushed for 579 yards and seven touchdowns on 147 carries this season, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt. However, his recent production has fallen short of the level Baltimore needs from its veteran running back. Baltimore Ravens – baltimoreravens.com. Against Cincinnati, Henry managed just 45 yards on 17 carries, averaging 2.6 yards per attempt as the Ravens failed
to score in the second half. The struggles have been particularly damaging because Baltimore has been unable to consistently control possession after building early leads. Henry's ability to generate positive rushing plays could help change that pattern against Buffalo, which enters Week 8 with one of the NFL's most productive offenses.
The Bills are averaging 32.8 points per game, making time of possession and offensive efficiency important considerations for Baltimore. However, controlling the clock will require more than simply increasing Henry's workload.
The Ravens must create better running lanes, avoid negative plays, and maintain enough offensive balance to prevent Buffalo from crowding the line of scrimmage. Baltimore's offensive line has undergone significant changes, with Cam Jurgens taking over at center and rookie right guard Vega Ioane dealing with an MCL sprain.
Ioane returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's session, providing an encouraging development for an offensive line trying to establish continuity.
Lamar Jackson's return could also make a significant difference.
Jackson's ability to threaten defenses as both a passer and runner can create additional space for Henry, particularly when opponents must account for the quarterback on designed runs and option concepts. Henry has already demonstrated that he can remain productive in Baltimore's offense, but his impact depends heavily on the blocking combinations and opportunities created by the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle must find ways to establish the running game without becoming predictable, particularly when Baltimore faces difficult second-half adjustments.
The Ravens cannot afford another performance in which their offense disappears after halftime.
Henry doesn't need to carry Baltimore's entire offense, but a productive rushing performance would help reduce pressure on the quarterback, create manageable third downs, and limit Buffalo's opportunities. Against the Bills, establishing Henry early and keeping him involved could give Baltimore a better chance to control the pace and end its two-game losing streak.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Derrick Henry could be key to Ravens upsetting Bills in Week 8
