RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The list of players and coaches who have captured the same postseason award multiple times is longer than some may realize. Kevin Stefanski has won Coach of the Year twice. Aaron Donald and J.J. Watt have collected three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Lamar Jackson is a two-time MVP, so why can't another Baltimore Ravens star join that club?
Why can't Derrick Henry be added to that list? Is there anyone who believes he isn't capable? He claimed Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2020. He rushed for 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns that season. Then, he came remarkably close to another trophy in 2024, rushing for 1,921 yards and 16 scores while finishing just 79 yards shy of a second 2,000-yard campaign.
Had Saquon Barkley not authored one of the greatest seasons by a running back in recent memory, Henry may already be a two-time winner of the NFL's OPOY Award. He's a surefire Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, with only one major goal to accomplish: winning a Super Bowl.
The Ravens hope to be playing deep into the postseason, and if they are, they'll be doing so partially because of Henry's efforts. Everyone knows of his brilliance and the expectations on this Ravens team, so if a run towards glory is indeed possible, why shouldn't Henry achieve a little individual recognition along the way?
As the 2026 season approaches, the possibility remains very much alive. Here are five of about a dozen reasons why that is the case.
Derrick Henry remains one of the NFL's most dominant red-zone finishers
First-and-goal from inside the five-yard line usually means one thing in Baltimore: give Derrick Henry the football. That's a formula that has worked since his arrival and for a decade-long NFL career.
Henry has scored double-digit touchdowns in eight consecutive seasons and has reached the end zone 16 times in each of the past two years. Voters may disagree on many things, but touchdowns always carry weight when award season arrives. If Baltimore's offense is even more efficient this season, Henry could once again threaten the league lead in rushing touchdowns.
Better guard play could unlock even more production
The loss of Tyler Linderbaum cannot be ignored. Replacing one of the NFL's best centers is never easy. Perennial Pro Bowl centers don't grow on trees, but if Baltimore finds someone who is competent in the post-Linderbaum era , that has to be seen as a win.
Still, the Ravens may be stronger at guard than they were a season ago. Vega Ioane and John Simpson bring size, power, and physicality to the interior offensive line, potentially creating more room for Henry to operate between the tackles.
If Baltimore receives steady play at center, the overall run-blocking unit could remain one of the league's best. That's an encouraging thought when the runner behind those blockers is a future Hall of Famer.
Declan Doyle could elevate the entire offense.
Every conversation about new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle seems to arrive at the same destination. He's detailed. He's creative. He's organized . Players have repeatedly praised his attention to detail, while veterans such as Zay Flowers have discussed concepts and route combinations they hadn't previously encountered.
If Doyle's offense reaches its potential, Henry could be one of the biggest beneficiaries. Something also suggests a details-driven Doyle won't forget about No. 22 when games tighten in the fourth quarter, and temperatures begin to drop. Finding creative ways to get Henry involved while preserving his effectiveness late in games could pay enormous dividends.
The MVP award will likely belong to a quarterback.k
Fair or not, Offensive Player of the Year has increasingly become the place where voters recognize elite non-quarterback seasons. If Barkley's 2024 campaign couldn't secure an MVP trophy and Cooper Kupp's historic 2021 season wasn't enough either, it raises a fair question about whether a non-quarterback can realistically win the award anymore.
No non-quarterback has earned MVP honors since Adrian Peterson in 2012. That reality could work in Henry's favor. If Lamar Jackson enters the MVP race again, voters may view Offensive Player of the Year as the ideal avenue to reward Henry's contributions.
More weapons could keep Henry fresh deep into the season
The Ravens may not need Henry to carry the offense every week. Ja'Kobi Lane has emerged as one of training camp's biggest stories. Justice Hill remains one of the league's better complementary backs. Adam Randall is making a name for himself.
A deeper offense means Baltimore can be more selective with Henry's workload without sacrificing production. That could leave him fresher in November, December, and January, when defenses are worn down and 252-pound running backs become even less appealing to tackle.
The strongest argument for Henry's candidacy may be the simplest one. He's still Derrick Henry. He nearly won this award two years ago. He remains one of the NFL's most feared runners. If Baltimore's offensive line improves and Declan Doyle's offense delivers as advertised, he could sit at the head of the class come February.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Five reasons Derrick Henry can win Offensive Player of the Year award
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