Grant Delpit Calls Derrick Henry 'Not Hard' to Tackle Ahead of Browns‑Ravens Showdown

Bold Talk Sets the Stage

During a Thursday press briefing, Grant Delpit answered a routine question about the upcoming Browns‑Ravens clash with a blunt, "Not hard" when asked how he plans to tackle the league’s most feared rusher, Derrick Henry. The comment landed like a splash of cold water on a summer day, instantly generating headlines across the NFL media landscape.

Delpit, who earned a reputation for his confident swagger after a breakout 2023 season, seemed unbothered by the physical reputation of the 6‑4, 247‑pound powerhouse from Baltimore. His remark not only challenged a widely held belief among coaches and analysts but also handed the Ravens a ready-made bulletin board.

Henry’s Reaction and the Numbers Behind the Debate

Veteran running back Derrick Henry didn’t stay silent. In a quick interview on the Ravens’ pre‑game show, he smiled, then said, "He had a quote. We'll see on Sunday," a classic response that hinted at a personal chip on the shoulder. Henry’s career stats back his confidence: 9,300 rushing yards, 79 touchdowns, and a league‑leading 5.5 yards per carry average over the last three seasons.

The Browns, meanwhile, have been bolstering their secondary after a shaky 2022 campaign. Delpit recorded 84 tackles and three interceptions last year, ranking among the top safeties in the AFC North. His speed, paired with his aggressive play‑calling, will be under the microscope as he attempts to contain Henry’s bruising runs.

Historically, the two teams have met twelve times in the last decade, with the Ravens edging out a 7‑5 record. Henry has dominated those matchups, tallying 842 yards and five touchdowns against the Browns since 2017. The Browns’ last victory over the Ravens came on a windy November night in 2020, when a late fourth‑quarter interception by Delpit sealed the win, showing he can make big plays when it counts.

Coaches on both sidelines appear aware of the narrative. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski praised Delpit’s confidence in a recent meeting, saying, "If a player believes in his ability, that energy rubs off on the whole unit." Meanwhile, Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman emphasized that the offensive line has been drilling containment techniques specifically for Delpit’s scouting report.

The upcoming game, scheduled for Sunday night under the bright lights of Cleveland’s FirstEnergy Stadium, now carries an extra layer of drama. Fans will be watching not just for the usual divisional stakes but for a personal showdown between two athletes who have already spoken loudly enough for the entire league to listen.