Full Breakdown
Derrick Henry's Milestone and the Ravens' Offensive Strategy
11/28/2025, 11:58:29 AM
Derrick Henry Passes Jim Brown on All-Time Rushing List
During the Baltimore Ravens' Thanksgiving night game against the Cincinnati Bengals, running back Derrick Henry achieved a significant milestone by surpassing NFL legend Jim Brown on the all-time career rushing list. Henry's 28-yard touchdown run on the Ravens' opening drive propelled him to 11th place, moving past Brown, who finished his career with 12,312 rushing yards. This accomplishment adds to Henry's impressive resume, which includes being a five-time Pro Bowl player and one of only nine players to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.
Henry entered the game with 12,294 rushing yards and needed just 19 yards to pass Brown. Following his touchdown, he finished the first half with five carries for 33 yards. However, he did not see the field for the remainder of the second quarter, raising questions about the Ravens' offensive strategy.
Ravens' Offensive Strategy Under Scrutiny
Despite Henry's strong start, the Ravens' decision to limit his carries in a close game has drawn criticism. After scoring a touchdown, Henry was notably absent from the field during crucial drives, which some analysts deemed unacceptable given the Bengals' struggling defense, ranked 31st against the run. Observers noted that Henry typically does not play during obvious passing situations, which may explain his reduced role during the second quarter.
Social media reactions highlighted frustrations from fans and bettors alike, questioning the rationale behind not utilizing a player of Henry's caliber against a weak rush defense. Comments on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) expressed disbelief that Henry, who averaged 6.6 yards per carry in the first quarter, was sidelined while the Ravens trailed 12-7 at halftime.
Official Statements & Responses
The Ravens have not publicly addressed the specific reasons for Henry's limited usage in the second quarter. However, it is understood that the team's offensive strategy may prioritize passing plays in certain game situations, particularly when trailing. This approach has sparked debate among fans and analysts regarding the effectiveness of the Ravens' offensive play-calling.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the Ravens' coaching staff should have better utilized Henry, especially considering his recent performance, where he had scored multiple touchdowns in previous games. The lack of touches for a player who has consistently demonstrated his ability to change the game's outcome has led to calls for a reevaluation of the team's offensive strategy.
What's Next for Derrick Henry and the Ravens
As the Ravens continue their season, Henry's performance will be pivotal in their pursuit of a playoff spot. With the team currently sitting at 6-5, they will need to rely on Henry's abilities to maintain their position in the competitive AFC North. Upcoming matchups will likely see increased scrutiny on how the Ravens balance their offensive strategy between passing and utilizing their star running back effectively.
Verbatim Quotes
- “King Henry just scored his 116th career touchdown,” — NFL Official X Account
- “Honestly the no mention of Derrick Henry (on NBC) not playing at all after that opening drive especially from sports analysts makes this very strange,” — X User Frank Dallas
- “Son if you don’t believe the NFL isn’t rigged please look me in my face and explain why Derrick Henry hasn’t touched the ball after a 30 yard (expletive) touchdown?” — X User Gamer God
Derrick Henry's milestone achievement and the Ravens' offensive decisions will remain focal points as the season progresses, influencing both team dynamics and fan expectations.
