After a dominant Monday Night Football win, the Buffalo Bills are shifting focus to an even bigger challenge. With a short week ahead, Buffalo is preparing to face the Baltimore Ravens, who boast one of the most formidable backfields in the NFL, led by Lamar Jackson and the newly acquired Derrick Henry. Head coach Sean McDermott knows the Bills have a tall order in slowing down Baltimore’s powerful rushing attack in Week 4, and he didn’t mince words about the challenge.
When asked about stopping Henry, McDermott was straightforward. “That one’s an easy one. Not to answer, but to address. I don’t know that anybody’s ever stopped him. It’s an all-day affair when you have the weapons they have on offense,” McDermott explained. He highlighted Baltimore’s dominance at the line of scrimmage and their physicality, adding, “We’re going to have our work cut out for us. That’s for sure.”
Derrick Henry Adds a New Dimension to Baltimore’s Offense
Henry’s presence in Baltimore is a game-changer. The Ravens had been searching for a bruising, big-play running back for years, hoping J.K. Dobbins would fill that role. But with Dobbins unable to stay healthy, the addition of Henry, one of the most dominant running backs of his generation, brings a whole new threat to the Ravens’ offense.
“It’s incredible what he’s been able to do in his career. He’s a future Hall of Famer, a once-in-a-lifetime type of running back. It’s a marriage made in heaven with how Coach Harbaugh wants to play,” McDermott said, praising Henry’s ability to elevate Baltimore’s rushing attack.
Henry has accumulated 9,783 rushing yards in his career, surpassing NFL legends like Joe Perry, Chris Johnson, and Earl Campbell. So far this season, he ranks fifth in rushing with 281 yards through three games, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Henry is just 217 yards shy of the 10,000-yard milestone and three touchdowns away from 100 career scores.
Bills’ Track Record Against Henry and Jackson
Historically, Buffalo has done a decent job containing Henry, limiting him to an average of 71.8 rushing yards per game in five matchups. However, Henry has had big moments, including a 2021 game where he tallied 143 rushing yards and three touchdowns. In those five meetings, Henry has scored seven total touchdowns against the Bills.
Meanwhile, the Bills’ defense has also kept Lamar Jackson in check over three previous meetings. Jackson has averaged only 104.3 passing yards and 50.7 rushing yards per game against Buffalo, with four passing touchdowns and three interceptions. Notably, Jackson has never scored a rushing touchdown against the Bills.
McDermott knows the key to defeating Baltimore is winning at the line of scrimmage and containing their ground game. “The challenge is always there, even with veteran players,” McDermott said, acknowledging that some of Buffalo’s newer defenders will need to adjust quickly to the Ravens’ unique rushing attack. “You’re never going to stop a player like that [Jackson]; he’s just too good.”
A Tough Test for Buffalo’s Defense
The Ravens represent one of Buffalo’s toughest tests yet. After blowing out their last two opponents, the Bills will face a Ravens team that prides itself on physicality and controlling the line of scrimmage. Despite two losses, Baltimore has been competitive all season, and their narrow win against the Dallas Cowboys last week was a testament to their resilience.
Bills fans should expect a tight contest, with Buffalo’s defense needing to rise to the occasion to halt the best run game in the league. McDermott’s words make it clear—this matchup is all about execution and discipline, and it could be a true litmus test for Buffalo’s defensive unit.
