Grant Delpit Says Derrick Henry Isn't Hard to Tackle Ahead of Browns‑Ravens Week 2 Clash

Trash Talk Fires Up Browns Ahead of Baltimore

During Thursday’s press conference, Browns safety Grant Delpit laughed off the idea that Ravens running back Derrick Henry could pose a tackling problem. "Not hard," he said, adding a grin and a quick reminder that football is, at its core, a contact sport. The remark landed amid a swelling chorus of bold statements from Cleveland, with wide receiver Jerry Jeudy dismissing the Ravens secondary as "no challenges" when asked how Baltimore’s defense would test the Browns offense.

Delpit’s confidence isn’t born out of thin air. He faced Henry in the Browns’ Week 8 clash last season, a game where Cleveland limited the Heisman‑winner to 73 yards on 11 carries and a single touchdown. The safety even posted a clip on the team’s social accounts showing a textbook shoulder tackle that sent Henry sprawling. That memory appears to be the foundation of his swagger heading into the Baltimore trip.

Meanwhile, the Ravens haven’t stayed silent. Henry, whose Week 1 debut featured a 169‑yard, two‑touchdown showcase, responded with a measured social‑media post that hinted he’s taking the bait but will let his feet do the talking on Sunday. No fireworks, just a quiet confidence that mirrors Cleveland’s own approach after a tough 17‑16 loss to the Bengals.

The media buzz has even attracted the attention of former Alabama coach Nick Saban. The legendary figure took a jab at Delpit, poking fun at the safety’s LSU roots and suggesting the Browns might be over‑estimating their ability to shut down a back who rushed for 1,687 yards last season. Saban’s commentary added another layer to the narrative, turning the Week 2 matchup into a talking‑point beyond the usual “who’s better” debate.

What the Numbers Say About Stopping Henry

Statistically, Henry is one of the league’s most elusive power runners. In the 2024 season, he averaged 4.9 yards per carry, racked up 10 rushing touchdowns, and posted a record‑setting 22 yards after contact per game. His success isn’t just raw speed; it’s a blend of vision, strength, and a low center of gravity that makes him hard to bring down in the open field.

The Browns’ defense, however, showed a glimmer of promise in Week 1 when they held Cincinnati to a mere 141 total yards—just 7 net yards in the second half. That effort was anchored by a front seven that forced four three‑and‑out runs and generated two sacks. Cornerback Denzel Ward also logged a pick‑six, demonstrating the unit’s play‑making ability when under pressure.

• Week 1: 17‑16 loss, but defense limited Bengals to 141 total yards.
• Last season vs. Ravens: Held Henry to 73 yards on 11 carries, 1 TD.
• 2024 Henry stats: 1,687 rushing yards, 4.9 YPC, 10 TDs.

What will change this time around? Cleveland’s secondary has shored up in the offseason, adding a veteran free‑agent safety and a Pro Bowl‑caliber corner. The linebacker corps, led by Anthony Walker Jr., has also shed some weight, aiming for quicker pursuit angles. If those pieces lock in, the Browns could replicate last year’s success—forcing Henry into short, predictable runs and relying on disciplined gap control.

On the other side of the ball, Baltimore’s offense remains the league’s most prolific unit. They averaged 29.5 points per game last season, with a balanced attack that blends Henry’s power running with Lamar Jackson’s dual‑threat capabilities. The Ravens also rank top‑five in total yards per game, meaning the Browns’ defensive front will have to be relentless across all three downs.

Coaches from both camps seem to relish the mental warfare as much as the physical one. Cleveland’s head coach Mike Vrabel has been quoted as saying the team feeds off “trash talk” and uses it as a catalyst for preparation. Baltimore’s staff, meanwhile, has emphasized “staying focused on the fundamentals” and not letting pre‑game chatter distract from their execution plan.

As the lights come up this Sunday, the narrative will shift from words to results. Delpit and his teammates will need to translate confidence into tackles, while Henry will aim to erase any doubts by piling up yards and touchdowns. The AFC North rivalry is set to deliver another chapter, and fans on both sides are already gearing up for the clash.