Everyone knows how dangerous the Baltimore Ravens ground game is when you’re firing on all cylinders, but many may not know what really makes it so effective.

Yes, the long highlight reel runs are certainly impressive, but the slow, methodical runs are just as important, if not more so. With their run-heavy scheme, the Ravens are able to slowly wear down the opposing defense over the course of the game and control the flow of the game.

Monday’s 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers was a perfect example, as Derrick Henry ran 24 times for 140 yards on the night. With the King averaging nearly six yards per carry, the Ravens were able to slowly wear down the Chargers’ defense and take over the game.

“(Henry) is just tenacious,” tight end Mark Andrews said after the game. “He is so good and so talented, if not the greatest of all time for what he does. Having him on our field – with (No.) 8 (Lamar Jackson) and (No.) 22 (Derrick Henry) – that’s dynamic. Just being there for these guys and getting the run game going… He’s just an incredible player.”

Despite a strong overall performance, Henry failed to reach the end zone for the first time as a Raven on Monday night. However, it doesn’t bother him because he contributed his part and more to the victory.

“I don’t think I pay attention to the wear and tear,” Henry said. “I just notice when we have a rhythm, when we play together and everyone does a great job in the running game so that we have success. It’s a good feeling when you have good things like that. Like I said.” “This is a great defense, so the offensive line and all the blocking players did a great job helping us have success in the run game.”

After Henry broke down the defense, the Ravens turned to Justice Hill to deliver the knockout blow. With just under half a quarter to go, Hill burst through the gap for a 51-yard touchdown, the longest run of his career, to put the Ravens ahead by two points.

“I let (Henry) do most of the grinding and then I come in and do something after that. He’s a great teammate. We just have a long way to go and we’re going to keep winning.”

Nobody wants to be in front of (Henry) for every single play, every single run. You can do it once, twice, three times, but if you have to do it 20 to 25 times, it starts to wear out. I’m glad we stuck with the run game in this game and it worked out for us.”

After punting on their first two drives, the Ravens’ offense came alive as they scored on their next five possessions. This is the type of offense they want to run in the future, and it starts and ends with the ground game.

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