Taggart’s Outlook on Henry’s Second Year
When asked about the future of Derrick Henry at Baltimore’s training camp, assistant head coach and running‑backs guru Willie Taggart didn’t hold back. He painted a picture of a player who’s still hungry, still grinding, and now armed with a playbook that feels like second nature.
Taggart recalled how Henry’s last few games in his rookie season with the Ravens showed a clear upward curve. “You could see his game lift in the latter part of the season,” he said. “He got more comfortable with our offense, started to understand the nuances of what we ask him to do.” That comfort, Taggart believes, will be the springboard for a more explosive year two.
According to Taggart, the difference isn’t just about physical talent—it’s about mental alignment. When a player knows where the holes are supposed to open, how the line blocks, and the timing of the play‑action, his burst becomes more decisive. “Going into Year 2, everything we ask him to do will show up at a higher level because he’s more comfortable,” Taggart explained. The coach expects Henry to capitalize on his size and vision, turning those “comfort points” into breakaway runs.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Taggart praised Henry’s daily grind. Despite a résumé that already hints at Hall of Fame talks, Henry still shows up to practice like a rookie. “He’s a pro, but he practices like he’s a rookie,” Taggart noted. “He wants to be better, not stay the same.” That mindset, according to the coach, is what separates good from great in the NFL’s grind‑it‑out league.
Taggart also hinted at the strategic adjustments the Ravens are making on the sidelines. With a better grasp of the offensive scheme, Henry can now be trusted to handle more varied calls, from standard zone runs to delayed hand‑offs that exploit linebackers biting on play‑action. The coach believes this flexibility will make the Ravens’ ground attack less predictable and more lethal.
Ravens’ Backfield Strategy and the Role of Justice Hill
The running‑back room in Baltimore isn’t a one‑man show. Taggart made it clear that while Henry is the “normal‑down” back, Justice Hill is the designated third‑down specialist. “When Derrick needs a breather, Justice steps in and gives us a spark,” the coach said.
Hill, a former second‑round pick who struggled to find a steady role in Denver, has embraced his niche in Baltimore. Taggart highlighted Hill’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield and to run quick, decisive cuts on third down—skills that keep defenses honest when the Ravens are in a passing situation. “He’s what you’re looking for in a teammate—strong, reliable, makes the most of his chances,” Taggart added.
This complementary system does more than rest the workhorse; it creates a dynamic where defenses can’t key in on a single style. When Henry lines up in a power formation, linebackers stack the box. Switch to Hill on third down, and the defense has to respect his speed and pass‑catching, opening up once‑in‑a‑while play‑action passes that keep the secondary honest.
Taggart also spoke about the coaching staff’s role in keeping both backs sharp. The running‑backs coach runs position drills that simulate game‑speed situations, from break‑away bursts to pass‑protection sets. The goal, according to Taggart, is to make every snap feel like a high‑stakes moment, ensuring both Henry and Hill are ready for any call.
Looking ahead to the season opener, Taggart is confident the combination of Henry’s newfound comfort, his relentless work ethic, and Hill’s third‑down versatility will push the Ravens’ rushing yards to new heights. The coach hinted that the playbook now contains more designed runs for Henry in the red zone, plus a few misdirection plays that could catch opponents off‑guard.
In short, the message from the Ravens’ camp is clear: the ground game is not just back‑loaded on one star. It’s a coordinated effort where Henry leads, Hill supports, and the entire offensive unit adapts. As the NFL preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Taggart’s predictions hold water—and whether Henry can indeed play at a higher level in his second year with Baltimore.