Derrick Henry already did damage behind a bad line in 2025. If Roger Rosengarten makes the leap Baltimore thinks he can make, the Ravens’ ground game could get a whole lot scarier in 2026.
Baltimore has always been a team built to run the football, and the addition of Henry in 2024 only amplified that identity. Pairing a run-heavy franchise with one of the most punishing backs the league has ever seen is bad news for defenses. The unsettling part for everyone else is that the Ravens may not be done leveling up.
The offseason brought reinforcements to the offensive line, with John Simpson and Vega Ioane helping shape a stronger five-man group. But the biggest swing factor might be Rosengarten, who has steadily carved out a role on the right side and now enters his third year with a chance to become much more than just dependable.
Since taking over as the starter in Week 4 of the 2024 season, the Washington product has started every possible game. That kind of consistency matters, and it’s why Baltimore can trust him already. But Rosengarten knows the next step is about more than just holding down the job.
He’s been more of a pass protector dating back to college, and he didn’t hide that at training camp. He made it clear he wants his run blocking to catch up to the rest of his game.
“I want to assert my dominance in the run game,” Rosengarten said. “Especially now with what Declan [Doyle’s] got cooking up, and Coach [Ledford] and the fundamentals he’s implied on the o-lineman: speed off the ball and being physical at the point of attack…it’s time to put it all together.”
That’s exactly the kind of talk Henry wants to hear. Rosengarten has already become a steady presence in pass protection and has shown improvement as a run blocker, but Baltimore believes there’s another level still waiting. If he gets there, Henry could be the biggest beneficiary.
Even in 2025, when the line around him was a mess, Henry still posted 1,595 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns and 5.2 yards per carry. Those numbers were good for second in the NFL in yards and touchdowns, and third in yards per carry. He was dangerous all year and borderline unstoppable late in the season.
Now the setup is different. Henry is heading into a season with what should be a much more competent offensive line in front of him, and Rosengarten may be the piece that helps turn a strong run game into something even bigger. With a solid interior expected to do its part, Rosengarten’s job will be to seal lanes and set the edge.
If he does that and takes the step he believes he can, Baltimore’s rushing attack could have another monster year on its hands.
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