Both Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris rank in the top ten in rush attempts for the 2024 season. Henry ranks No. 1 with 184 attempts while Harris has 157, sitting at No. 8. In their week 11 AFC North divisional matchup, which running back will dictate the pace?
Derrick Henry on his first Ravens-Steelers game: “I guess I won’t be a Raven until we get a W.” pic.twitter.com/Ybn5YDfcl0
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) November 13, 2024
Sunday’s forecast may yield gloomy weather as the Steelers look to remain ahead of their rival in the AFC. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has already expressed a concern with defending the very deep depth chart of the Ravens offense. So, expect Tomlin to rely on Harris and reserve running back Jaylen Warren to feature numerous carries versus the Ravens’ No. 1 ranked rush defense.
Najee Harris juking LB Bobby Wagner in the hole on this run. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/O37Hhua941
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) November 12, 2024
Henry’s usage may actually be more critical for the Ravens if his team wants to prevail on the road. With Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt’s pass-rushing threat, Ravens’ offensive coordinator Todd Monken cannot get pass-happy this weekend. Granted, Henry, a minimum of 19 carries will be important if the Ravens want to dictate the game tempo.
.@ohthatsNajee22 walks it in for the tuddie 💪
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 10, 2024
📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/05p3g6Hz1P
Tomlin never seems to get off schedule, and his determination is clearly expressed in his dedication to Harris and the Steelers ground game. Harris only has 645 total rushing yards compared to Henry’s 1,120, but Tomlin insists on feeding him the ball, knowing that the offense relies on his production. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh must be mindful of the Steelers’ game plan and counter by using Henry to control the game tempo and extend offensive drives.
