Running Backs Take the Spotlight as Barkley and Henry Clash in Eagles-Ravens Showdown

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Derrick Henry is known for making his presence felt, often with a stiff-arm that leaves defenders in the dust—sometimes more than one in a single play. Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley delivered one of the NFL’s most memorable moments this season, hurdling a defender backward in a recent game against Jacksonville.

Both Henry and Barkley are at the forefront of a revival for star running backs, and this Sunday, the NFL’s top two rushing leaders will go head-to-head as the Baltimore Ravens host the Philadelphia Eagles. With over 1,300 rushing yards each, their performances have even grabbed attention away from quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts.

“They’re obviously both great football players,” said Eagles coach Nick Sirianni. “A lot of respect for Derrick Henry. He can hit a home run if you’re not on your game—if you’re not tackling well or getting off blocks well. That’s something you also see with Saquon.”

Both running backs were signed as free agents in the offseason, and they’ve proven to be far from interchangeable in a league that’s been trending toward committee backfields. Henry and Barkley are standing out for their ability to dominate.

Last weekend, Barkley rushed for 255 yards in the Eagles’ victory over the Los Angeles Rams, while Henry followed with 140 yards in the Ravens’ win over the Chargers. Barkley currently leads the NFL with 1,392 rushing yards, closely followed by Henry with 1,325.

This is the first time two 1,300-yard rushers have met this early in the season, which adds extra intrigue to this matchup.

“I knew Saquon from high school,” said Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. “We played in the All-Star game together, and I saw him jump over someone’s head. As for Derrick Henry—’King Henry’—I get to see him every day, and it’s going to be a great matchup.”

This game will also feature the NFL’s top-ranked offense (Baltimore) against the top-ranked defense (Philadelphia), with both teams also ranking No. 1 and 2 in rushing. Baltimore has the second-best rushing defense.

“This is a challenge for us,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “They run the ball well with their offensive line, their back, and their scheme. The quarterback is also a big part of that. And they can throw off the runs. It’s a lot to prepare for.”

While the running backs are grabbing the spotlight, both teams are capable of moving the ball through the air. Jackson is currently leading the league in passer rating, passing yards, and touchdown-to-interception differential. Hurts has posted a career-best passer rating of 102.3.

Jackson has been dominant against NFC teams, with a 23-1 record in such matchups.

The Eagles are facing adversity with the loss of defensive end Brandon Graham, who announced after last week’s game that he is out for the season with a torn triceps. Graham, who had 3.5 sacks this season, had been playing at a Pro Bowl level, and his leadership will be missed.

“I hate losing him for a lot of reasons,” said Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. “One, it might be his last year. Two, his leadership. Most importantly, he was playing really well, and that’s hard to replace.”

After an international opener in Brazil and road trips across the country, the Eagles will have a relatively short journey to Baltimore. They’ll play four of their final five games at home, with just a road trip to the New York Giants left.

“It’s a benefit to be able to bus to close games now,” Sirianni said. “We’ve had a lot of road games early on, and now we’ve got a chance to play at home.”

Meanwhile, the Ravens’ defense has been a force, sacking Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert four times in their recent win. Baltimore has recorded at least two sacks in 15 straight games, with Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy leading the charge with eight sacks each this season. If they continue to apply pressure, it could help alleviate some struggles in their pass defense.

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