Battle of Two Star Running Backs: Saquon Barkley Versus Derrick Henry

Eagles versus Ravens is gonna be the game to watch on Sunday. Not only is Lamar Jackson must-see TV but you also have the guy behind him that just runs people over. His name is Derrick Henry. He isn't one to shy away from contact that's for sure. The Ravens running back has run for 1,325 yards and 13 touchdowns so far this season. Henry is about as close to a guarantee for a touchdown as you can get. He has scored at least one touchdown in every game this year but two. The 30-year-old running back has also rushed for over 100 yards in six out of the twelve games he has played this year. The game plan for the Ravens definitely needs to involve a lot of Henry if they want to win this game. 

Well, there is also a great running back on the other side of the field and his name is Saquon Barkley. He showed why he is one of the best last week. Barkley ran for an astonishing 255 yards and two touchdowns, nearly breaking the all-time record for rushing yards in a game of 296 set by Adrian Peterson in 2007. I would venture to say he won't put up those types of numbers against this Ravens-run defense but never say never. Saquon has shown his strength this year on this Eagles team, rushing for 1,392 yards and 10 touchdowns. Also with Devonta Smith questionable with a hamstring injury, you may see more of the run game since AJ Brown will likely be double or triple-covered all night if Smith is out. 

It will certainly be a battle on the ground in this game. I expect both teams to use their workhorse running backs extensively in this one. You can't go wrong siding with either running back to perform the other because both have shown they can put up monster numbers. I can't wait to see how each team game plans for what is going to be a run-heavy game I would think.

I personally think that Derrick Henry will have the better game. My main reason for thinking this is simply because the Eagles also have to account for Lamar Jackson using his legs. The Ravens can run option plays where Jackson would take the handoff to Henry and run it himself or hand it off and let Henry go to work. The Eagles will likely have a tougher time, especially if Devonta Smith is out because they will become more one-dimensional and run-oriented. 

This game will show us who the real number one running back is in the NFL. NFL fans are in for a treat as this game could foreshadow a Super Bowl matchup in February. Eagles and Ravens fans are eager to see how their team and specifically their running back stacks up against the other. We will see if Saquon can recreate his magic last week, or if King Henry takes the crown and shows why he is the league’s best.