Derrick Henry spent eight seasons in Tennessee. On Sunday, he’ll face the Titans for the first time wearing a Ravens uniform. Kickoff is October 4 at 1 p.m. EDT at M&T Bank Stadium.
“It’s still like family there, so it’s always love,” Henry said in Ryan Mink’s reporting for the Ravens. He also made clear that affection won’t carry onto the field Sunday. I like that. Eight years matter, and so does the team you’re playing for now.
Henry has kept producing in Baltimore. Through three games this season, he has 301 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Tennessee is still trying to find its footing with Cam Ward at quarterback and arrives 0–3. The Ravens are 2–1, but four straight home losses give Baltimore plenty of its own business to handle.
The matchup I’m watching is up front. Three Ravens centers are now on injured reserve, leaving rookie Vega Ioane expected to handle the position. Jeffery Simmons can make that a difficult afternoon. Henry’s history with Tennessee won’t open running lanes; Baltimore’s line has to do that.
Friday’s injury report lists Ronnie Stanley and Zay Flowers as questionable and rules out Trey Hendrickson. The defense also needs to finish a game without letting another lead slip away.
I’d love to see Henry have a big day against his old team. More than anything, I want to see Baltimore put together four quarters at home. The reunion gives Sunday some extra feeling. Winning still comes down to blocking, tackling and finishing the opportunities in front of them.