Ravens coach Faulkner backs Henry and depth to match Steelers legacy

Eddie Faulkner, the Baltimore Ravens’ running backs coach, has drawn direct comparisons between his current squad and the Pittsburgh Steelers unit he led for seven seasons, suggesting the Ravens’ group is capable of matching or surpassing its predecessor. Faulkner, who joined head coach John Harbaugh’s staff and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s coaching tree after his tenure in Pittsburgh, believes the transition has been seamless and the talent level remains elite.

The assessment carries significant weight given Faulkner’s extensive background, which spans more than two decades working with running backs at both the collegiate and professional levels. His recent comments, reported by Yahoo Sports on 8 August 2026, indicate a high level of confidence in the Baltimore roster as the team works to finalise its initial 53-man squad.

At the centre of Faulkner’s praise is future Hall of Famer Derrick Henry. While Henry’s production and accolades are well documented, Faulkner highlighted the player’s attitude as the most compelling aspect of his game. He noted that Henry’s willingness to continue learning and be coached remains undiminished, a trait Faulkner cited as the primary reason for Henry’s sustained success.

“He could not take another snap and he’s going to get a gold jacket,” Faulkner said, according to a report by Jeff Zrebiec. The coach emphasised that Henry’s coachability is as impressive as his on-field output, providing a stable foundation for the Ravens’ physical rushing identity.

Beyond Henry, Faulkner pointed to the depth provided by veterans Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali. Both players offer experience and familiarity with the offensive scheme, adding versatility to a group that is still undergoing evaluation. The presence of these veterans helps balance the backfield as younger players compete for remaining spots.

Faulkner’s endorsement serves as a validation of the organisational strategy that has long prioritised a physical ground game. By comparing the current group favourably to the Steelers’ unit, which he described as strong in the previous season, Faulkner signals that the Ravens’ running backs room is positioned to be a decisive factor in the upcoming campaign.

The Ravens are currently in the process of trimming their roster, and Faulkner’s early evaluation suggests considerable potential throughout the unit. If the current trajectory holds, the backfield could once again be one of the most formidable aspects of the team’s offence.