Lamar Jackson's Playoff Blueprint: Can He Emulate Derrick Henry's Success?

Aug 08, 2025

Lamar Jackson's Playoff Conundrum: Seeking the Derrick Henry Formula

Lamar Jackson, the electrifying quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, has consistently wowed fans with his regular-season performances. However, his playoff record has been a point of contention. In stark contrast, Derrick Henry, the powerhouse running back formerly of the Tennessee Titans, carved a path of destruction through multiple postseasons. The question on everyone's mind: Can Lamar Jackson adapt a strategy similar to Derrick Henry's to unlock his playoff potential? This article delves into the nuances of their respective styles, offensive systems, and the feasibility of Jackson adopting a Henry-esque blueprint for postseason success.

Understanding the Playoff Landscape: A Different Beast

The NFL playoffs are a pressure cooker where the intensity is amplified, and the margin for error shrinks dramatically. Regular-season strategies often fall short against well-prepared defenses and heightened stakes. The game slows down, physicality increases, and turnovers become incredibly costly. This shift demands a different approach, one that emphasizes ball security, clock management, and exploiting opponent weaknesses with precision. Unlike the regular season where mismatches can be more easily exploited, the playoffs tend to be a war of attrition, and those who can impose their will physically and mentally are the teams that often succeed.

Derrick Henry's Playoff Dominance: A Physical Masterclass

Derrick Henry's playoff performances were a testament to the power of a dominant running game in the postseason. His 2019 playoff run, in particular, showcased his ability to wear down defenses and control the clock. He became the focal point of the Titans' offense, churning out yards and setting up manageable passing situations for Ryan Tannehill. Henry’s success was based on several key elements:

• Relentless Power Running: Henry’s size and strength allowed him to break tackles and gain yards after contact, consistently moving the chains.
• Volume Carries: The Titans were not afraid to feed Henry the ball, even when defenses knew what was coming. His ability to maintain effectiveness even with a high workload was crucial.
• Establishing the Run Early: By establishing the run early in games, the Titans dictated the pace of play and forced defenses to commit resources to stopping Henry.
• Effective Play-Action Passing: Henry's success on the ground opened up opportunities for play-action passes, catching defenses off guard.
• Physicality: Henry’s punishing running style took a physical toll on opposing defenses, wearing them down as the game progressed.

The Titans' 2019 upset victories over the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens were prime examples of Henry's impact. He single-handedly controlled the game, limiting the Patriots' offensive possessions and exposing the Ravens' defensive vulnerabilities. His dominance wasn't just about yardage; it was about demoralizing opponents and instilling a sense of inevitability.

Lamar Jackson's Strengths and Weaknesses: A Contrasting Profile

Lamar Jackson is a vastly different player from Derrick Henry. He is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who relies on his arm talent and unparalleled athleticism. Jackson's regular-season success stems from his ability to:

• Explosive Running Ability: Jackson's elusiveness and speed make him a constant threat to run for significant gains.
• Accurate Deep Ball: He has developed into a proficient deep-ball thrower, stretching defenses vertically.
• Making Plays Outside the Pocket: Jackson's ability to improvise and create plays outside the pocket is a unique weapon.
• Reading Defenses: Jackson has shown improvements in his ability to read defenses and make pre-snap adjustments.
• High Completion Percentage: Jackson has maintained a high completion percentage in the regular season, showcasing his accuracy.

However, Jackson's playoff struggles have highlighted some key areas for improvement:

• Turning the Ball Over: Interceptions and fumbles have plagued Jackson in the playoffs, often at critical moments.
• Holding onto the Ball: Jackson has a tendency to hold onto the ball too long, leading to sacks and negative plays.
• Struggles Against Pressure: Defenses have had success pressuring Jackson and disrupting his rhythm.
• Inconsistent Passing Under Pressure: Jackson's accuracy diminishes when he is forced to make quick throws under duress.
• Limited Pocket Presence: At times, Jackson has shown a lack of awareness in the pocket, taking unnecessary sacks.

These weaknesses have been exploited by playoff defenses that prioritize containing his running ability and forcing him to make difficult throws in tight coverage.

Analyzing the Ravens' Offensive Scheme: Tailoring to Jackson's Strengths

The Baltimore Ravens have built their offense around Lamar Jackson's unique skill set. They utilize a variety of formations and play designs to maximize his running ability and create favorable passing matchups. Key elements of the Ravens' offense include:

• Heavy Use of Run-Pass Options (RPOs): RPOs allow Jackson to make quick decisions based on the defensive alignment, keeping defenses off balance.
• Designed Quarterback Runs: The Ravens incorporate designed quarterback runs into their game plan, utilizing Jackson's speed and elusiveness.
• Play-Action Passing: The Ravens effectively use play-action passing to capitalize on defenses expecting the run.
• Multiple Tight End Sets: Utilizing multiple tight end sets creates mismatches and provides extra blocking support.
• Motion and Formation Variety: The Ravens use motion and formation variety to confuse defenses and create pre-snap advantages.

While the Ravens' offense has been incredibly successful in the regular season, it has faced challenges in the playoffs. Defenses have become more adept at containing Jackson's running ability and forcing him to rely on his passing. This is where the potential adaptation of a Derrick Henry-esque approach becomes relevant.

Can Lamar Jackson Adopt the Derrick Henry Blueprint? A Feasibility Study

Here's a breakdown of how the Ravens could implement elements of the Henry blueprint:

1. Establishing a More Consistent Rushing Attack

While Jackson is a dynamic runner, the Ravens need to develop a more consistent rushing attack involving their running backs. This would take pressure off Jackson and force defenses to respect the run, opening up passing lanes.

• Invest in a Stronger Run Blocking Scheme: The Ravens should prioritize improving their run blocking scheme to create more consistent running lanes for their backs.
• Utilize Power Running Backs: The Ravens should focus on acquiring and developing power running backs who can gain tough yards between the tackles.
• Commit to Running the Ball: The Ravens need to demonstrate a commitment to running the ball, even when the running game is not immediately successful. This will wear down defenses and set up play-action opportunities.

2. Improving Ball Security

Turnovers have been a major issue for Jackson in the playoffs. He needs to prioritize ball security and make smarter decisions with the football.

• Shorter Dropbacks and Quicker Throws: Jackson can reduce his exposure to sacks and turnovers by taking shorter dropbacks and making quicker throws.
• Protecting the Ball in the Pocket: Jackson needs to improve his pocket presence and protect the ball when facing pressure.
• Sliding and Avoiding Contact: When running, Jackson should prioritize sliding and avoiding unnecessary contact to minimize the risk of fumbles.

3. Enhancing Pocket Presence and Decision-Making Under Pressure

Jackson needs to improve his ability to navigate the pocket and make accurate throws under pressure. This requires a combination of technique and mental fortitude.

• Practice Footwork and Pocket Drills: Jackson should focus on improving his footwork and pocket drills to enhance his ability to evade pressure.
• Develop a Strong Internal Clock: Jackson needs to develop a strong internal clock to anticipate pressure and make quicker decisions.
• Trust His Receivers: Jackson needs to trust his receivers to make plays, even in tight coverage.

4. Utilizing Play-Action More Effectively

The Ravens have already shown a propensity to use play-action. But to truly emulate Derrick Henry's effect, they must commit to running the ball, and THEN use play-action to devastating effect.

• Commitment to Establishing the Run: For play-action to be effective, the Ravens need to establish a credible running threat.
• Targeted Play-Action Calls: The Ravens should strategically call play-action passes in advantageous situations, such as on early downs or in the red zone.
• Deep Threat Options: The Ravens need to have reliable deep-threat options to capitalize on defenses biting on the run.

5. Developing a Stronger Short Passing Game

While Jackson has a strong arm, he needs to develop a more consistent short passing game to move the chains and control the clock. This will provide him with a reliable option when the deep ball is not available.

• Utilize Quick Slants and Screens: The Ravens should incorporate more quick slants and screens into their offense to create easy completions and allow their receivers to gain yards after the catch.
• Target Tight Ends and Running Backs: Jackson should target his tight ends and running backs in the passing game to provide him with reliable underneath options.
• Focus on Accuracy and Timing: Jackson needs to focus on accuracy and timing on short passes to ensure consistent completions.

The Role of Coaching and Offensive Strategy

The success of any offensive blueprint hinges on the coaching staff's ability to implement it effectively. The Ravens' coaching staff, led by Head Coach John Harbaugh and Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken, needs to be committed to adapting the offensive strategy to address Jackson's playoff weaknesses. This includes:

• Tailoring the Game Plan to the Opponent: The Ravens need to develop game plans that specifically target the weaknesses of their playoff opponents.
• Adjusting During the Game: The coaching staff needs to be able to make adjustments during the game based on the defensive scheme and the flow of the game.
• Empowering Jackson to Make Decisions: The coaching staff needs to empower Jackson to make decisions at the line of scrimmage, allowing him to exploit defensive mismatches.
• Prioritizing Ball Security: The coaching staff needs to emphasize ball security in practice and in games, holding players accountable for turnovers.

Beyond the Blueprint: The Intangibles of Playoff Success

While adapting a Derrick Henry-esque blueprint can improve Lamar Jackson's playoff chances, it's important to remember that playoff success is not solely about strategy. The intangibles of mental toughness, leadership, and team chemistry also play a crucial role. Jackson needs to:

• Maintain Composure Under Pressure: Jackson needs to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations.
• Lead by Example: Jackson needs to lead by example, both on and off the field, inspiring his teammates to perform at their best.
• Foster a Positive Team Environment: Jackson needs to foster a positive team environment where players support each other and work together towards a common goal.
• Learn from Past Mistakes: Jackson needs to learn from past playoff failures and use those experiences to improve his performance in the future.

The Impact of Personnel Changes

• Improved Receiving Corps: A more talented and reliable receiving corps will give Jackson more options in the passing game and make it more difficult for defenses to double-team his primary targets.
• Stronger Offensive Line: A stronger offensive line will provide Jackson with better protection and create more running lanes for the running backs.
• Deeper Running Back Room: A deeper running back room will allow the Ravens to rotate backs and keep them fresh throughout the game.

Conclusion: A Path Forward, Not a Transformation

Lamar Jackson is not Derrick Henry, and he shouldn't try to be. His unique skill set is what makes him a special player. However, by incorporating elements of Henry's playoff dominance – a stronger commitment to the running game, improved ball security, enhanced pocket presence, and more effective use of play-action – Jackson can significantly improve his playoff performance and lead the Ravens to greater postseason success. The key lies in finding the right balance between Jackson's natural abilities and a more strategic, disciplined approach that is tailored to the unique demands of the NFL playoffs. Ultimately, the Ravens' success will depend on Jackson's ability to learn from his past experiences, adapt his game to the challenges of the postseason, and embrace the leadership role that is expected of him. It's about evolution, not revolution.