Derrick Henry might be the last running back to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame as NFL offenses continue to evolve away from the traditional ground and pound strategy. Although that is said (mostly) with tongue-in-cheek, it is important that we recognize his greatness in real time.
He kept pace with Xavier Worthy on Sunday!!
Henry scored touchdown on the first offensive snap of the game. Baltimore opened up a massive hole with a beautiful blocking scheme up front. The fullback made an outstanding trap block, the right tackle dominated his base block, the center got up to the middle linebacker in a hurry, and the tight end kicked out to the safety. It was the perfect call that was executed to perfection.
DERRICK HENRY TO THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 30, 2024
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The 87-yard touchdown was actually the longest run in Ravens franchise history. Henry only has been with the team for four games and already etched his name into the record books.
It gets even more impressive when you look at the Next Gen Stats.
Derrick Henry is not of this earth.
Henry reached a top speed of 21.29 mph on the run. To put that number in perspective, it was the fourth-fastest speed by any ball-carrier this season.
The third-fastest speed was recorded just a few hours prior. Worthy reached a top speed of 21.46 mph on a 54-yard touchdown pass during a win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon.
Patrick Mahomes' 54-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Worthy traveled 62.2 yards in the air, Mahomes' longest completion by air distance of his career.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 29, 2024
Worthy reached a top speed of 21.46 mph, the 3rd-fastest play by a ball carrier this season.
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The Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie wide receiver set the NFL Combine record in the 40-yard dash with a 4.21 back in March. Needless to say, he can scoot.
Let’s compare.
Derrick Henry is 30 years old and 247 pounds. Xavier Worthy is 21 years old and only 165 pounds.
Really think about that for a second… Henry, who is nine years older in a much more physically demanding position, came within 0.17 mph of Worthy’s top speed while weighing an extra 82 (!!) pounds. That’s insane.