Henry, like most players from clubs with championship ambitions over the last five years, has a lot of experience with the Chiefs himself.

In four games against Kansas City since Patrick Mahomes took over as the franchise’s starting quarterback, Henry has rushed for 458 yards and five touchdowns, averaging over six yards per carry twice. He also lost to the Chiefs in an AFC Championship Game, during the 2019 season.

This contest against them was one of his least explosive, as the defense locked him up on 19 attempts for 69 yards and a score and gave him -8 yards on two pass catches.

Although Baltimore finished first in the conference last season, thanks in part to an offense that ranked first in the NFL in both attempts and yardage, the team allowed a run in the playoffs against Kansas City.

The Ravens carried the ball less often overall than Henry himself did in his aforementioned title game. QB Lamar Jackson managed 54 yards on eight carries, while Gus Edwards, Zay Flowers and Justice Hill combined for another 27 yards on eight attempts.

It is no great exaggeration to imagine that Henry would have added momentum to a team that lost by just seven points.

Such considerations may have played a role in Baltimore’s decision to sign Henry in the offseason. Perhaps the Ravens can now team up with their new All-Pro RB to get off to a good start in Week 1 against the Chiefs and ultimately dethrone them.

The first step – and Henry’s first opportunity to prove his theory – will take place on Thursday in the 2024 NFL Kickoff Game.

“It’s about who they lost to to get to the grand final. I’m sure that’s in the back of their minds,” Henry said of the mood in the team. “We’re going to go out there and play Ravens-style football, give it our all to win, but yeah, I’m sure that’s in the back of their minds. I’m sure everyone is focused and ready.”