Baltimore Ravens legend sees change in Lamar Jackson

Dirk Hendrik fits like a dream for the Baltimore Ravens, and the offense has reached new heights as a result. However, it took a lot of effort to reach this point.

Throughout his time with the Tennessee Titans, Henry played in a system where the quarterback was heavily under center because it allowed him to run downhill more easily. Meanwhile, the Ravens were the main focus Lamar Jackson in shotgun to keep the offense more open.

It took time to find the right balance, but ultimately the Ravens found a nice mix that allowed both Jackson and Henry to thrive. The former is aiming for his third MVP award (second in a row) and the latter for his second Offensive Player of the Year award as Baltimore’s offense is the best in the league.

While both players excelled, former Ravens running back Jamal Lewis revealed how the duo reached their full potential.

“I think Lamar really had to adapt more than Derrick Henry,” Lewis said on the website Get a Pod with Marshawn Lynch. “Because I know as a big back it’s hard to get out of the gun, especially when you’re trying to keep your shoulders right on the line of scrimmage, you know, turning all kinds of things and stuff like that. I liked to be in the ‘me’ where I see the field. But now it’s like Lamar had to go under center, or they had to use Pistol.

Because I can tell you this, Derrick Henry is not effective going from sideline to sideline. But if his shoulders are square, man has to listen, some business decisions and some cats really have to think twice about walking into that.

Lewis, who at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds had a similar frame to Henry, was the first in a long line of great Ravens running backs. In just six seasons, he racked up 7,801 yards and 45 touchdowns as a rusher, both the most in franchise history. His best season came in 2003, when he rushed for 2,066 yards and 14 touchdowns to win Offensive Player of the Year.

If Henry continues to play at this level, he could be the only one to join Lewis Raven to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. If he achieves that goal, he will have Jackson and his adjustments to thank.

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