Ravens Training Camp: Derrick Henry and Patrick Ricard look to dominate in 21 personnel
With the Baltimore Ravens prepared to start NFL Training Camp 2024 tomorrow, coaches and support staff should will be amped to get reps in with ideal offensive packaging, personnel, and formations. With the Ravens leading the NFL in rushing yards per game last season, the Ravens would be wise to get a hefty amount of reps with running back Derrick Henry and full back Patrick Ricard on the field in tandem.
While Ricard doesn't deploy often in the team's offensive attack, offensive coordinator Todd Monken has opted to call his number when the team goes into 21 personnel. With Henry and Ricard lined up in Strong, Weak, or I-formation, defenses have had and will have their hands full trying to account for the quickness, power, and force of the Ravens' rushing attack. Outside zone and stretch runs allow Henry to get to edge, while simultaneously allowing Ricard to climb to the second-level of the defense to block the lateral movement of opposing linebackers. With Henry unlikely to go down after initial contact, the usage of 21 personnel has shown to be even more effective when the Ravens are in the red-zone.
Patrick Ricard joined The Insiders to break down what makes him a Pro Bowl FB 💪📽️@PRic508 @Ravens @RapSheet @MikeGarafolo pic.twitter.com/caWHbd9ztd
No other team in the NFL had a higher red-zone touchdown percentage than the Ravens in 2024. Henry tallied up a total of 16 rushing touchdowns on the season, a testament of just how effective the ground game had been for the Ravens collectively. Ultimately this works well because Ricard isn't looking to be the star of the show. Instead, Ricard is looking to works in tandem with the Ravens' offensive line to insure that Henry has running lanes to push through. Had Monken prioritized the run earlier this winter, the Ravens may have went on to advance to the Super Bowl.
Nevertheless, the the team will have another chance to make it all make sense in 2025. Expect Monken to deploy Henry and Ricard in 21 personnel at Training Camp this summer.
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