Derrick Henry Responds After Browns' Grant Delpit Says Tackling Him Is 'Not Hard'
Trash talk between the Browns and Ravens intensifies ahead of their AFC North meeting after Delpit revisits a high-profile tackle on the Ravens running back
Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit drew attention this week when he downplayed the difficulty of stopping Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, saying it was "Not hard." Henry, who has faced Delpit before, offered a brief rebuttal and signaled the matter would be settled on the field Sunday.
"He had a quote," Henry said. "We'll see on Sunday." The Ravens host the Browns in an AFC North matchup following losses for both teams in their season openers.
Delpit's comments revived memories of a high-impact moment last season. On Oct. 27, 2024, Delpit and Browns cornerback Denzel Ward combined on a hit that flattened the 252-pound Henry and prompted Delpit's post-play "too small" celebration. The tackle and celebration drew national attention and have lingered in the lead-up to Sunday's game.
Henry, a five-time Pro Bowler, spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans before signing with the Ravens in 2024. Despite his stature and résumé, Henry has been relatively contained by Cleveland in recent meetings; he has topped 75 rushing yards in just one of the three games he has played against the Browns.
In Baltimore's 41-40 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, Henry finished with 169 rushing yards, a performance that underscored his continued ability to produce even in a defeat. Cleveland also opened with a loss, and tensions between the teams have been amplified by comments from multiple players on both sides.
Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, whose regular-season history includes limited production against the Ravens, dismissed the strength of Baltimore's secondary after Week 1, calling the group "no challenges." Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton responded by calling such remarks "bulletin board material," saying players should not need external motivation to prepare for opponents.
The exchange between Delpit and Henry adds another layer to the longstanding Browns-Ravens rivalry. Both teams are seeking early-season momentum in the AFC North, and matchups between Cleveland's defense and Baltimore's offense, particularly the run game, are likely to draw close attention. How personnel matchups and coaching adjustments unfold on Sunday will determine whether the rhetoric translates into decisive plays.
Sunday's game will provide a clearer measure of Henry's effectiveness against the Browns' front and secondary this season, and whether Delpit's remarks were unwarranted showmanship or a fair assessment. The Browns and Ravens have a history of physical games, and this meeting will be the latest chapter in a divisional rivalry marked by tight results and memorable moments.
