Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, Cam Heyward was asked about new Baltimore Ravens running back, Derrick Henry, on the Not Just Football With Cam Heyward podcast during a segment called "Switching Places." In the segment, Heyward and his co-host discussed players recently acquired by teams around the NFL. On March, 14th the Ravens signed Henry to a two-year, $16 million dollar deal. The Ravens won the AFC North last season and with the addition of a four-time Pro Bowl running back, Baltimore looks scary, but not if you ask Heyward.
Heyward's co-host said "one more guy I want to talk to you about switching places, Derrick Henry to Baltimore." Heyward cut him off and replied.
"We're not going to spend too much time on that 'cause I don't like talking about them guys."
Heyward followed that up with saying that Henry and Baltimore are a match made in heaven because Henry likes to run the ball, and so does Baltimore. Heyward is absolutely right. The Ravens led the NFL in rushing yards in 2023 with 2,661 yards on the ground. In 2023 with the Tennessee Titans, Henry had 280 carries for 1,167 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns in what was a very successful season for him. That included a monster performance in Week 18, which actually helped the Steelers get into the final AFC Wild Card spot. Statistically that sounds imposing, but Heyward doesn't think that's anything to worry about right now. Heyward also said he hopes that recently acquired linebacker Patrick Queen will limit Henry in the run game.
"I'm glad we got Patrick Queen to hopefully have some meet ups with Derrick Henry in the hole."
Steelers' newest linebacker Patrick Queen could be the team's answer to limiting Derrick Henry in Baltimore
Along with Heyward, the Steelers also showed that they have high hopes for Queen when they invested $41 million dollars into his three-year deal this offseason. Queen enjoyed an All-Pro 2023 season in Baltimore where he had 133 combined tackles and 3.5 sacks. An explosive rushing attack from Baltimore will be met by the Steelers star studded front seven consisting of Heyward, Queen, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Keeanu Benton.
Heyward's final response on Henry to Baltimore was quiet, but very telling about how he feels. His co-host said "I will say Lamar [Jackson] and Derrick Henry, pretty scary, man." Heyward with a straight face just shrugged his shoulder. The co-host followed the quiet response with, "No, you don't agree?" Heyward replied.
"Not at all, but... keep it going."
Heyward isn't scared of any team in the NFL. While not saying much, his response told you exactly how confident he is in the Steelers' NFL leading $160 million dollar defense. Heyward also has experience playing against both Henry in his time with the Titans and the Jackson-led Ravens throughout his career. With Jackson at quarterback, the Ravens are just 2-4 in games against the Steelers and in Henry's three career games vs the Steelers, he has never topped 75 rushing yards.
While the Ravens' backfield pair has put up good statistics, they have failed to do so against Pittsburgh. Henry and the Ravens might have a good season statistically in 2024 as well, but it won't come easy in their two regular season games against the Steelers in 2024. With the addition of Queen, Elandon Roberts coming back, and Cole Holcomb's recovery going well, the Steelers' middle linebacker room looks the best it has in years and it's all coming together at the right time.
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