Full Breakdown
Derrick Henry's Historic Performance Keeps Ravens' Playoff Hopes Alive
12/28/2025, 8:05:12 PM
Derrick Henry Dominates Against Green Bay
In a crucial Week 17 matchup, Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry delivered a historic performance, rushing for 216 yards and scoring four touchdowns in a 41-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. This win not only marked Henry's seventh career game with over 200 rushing yards, setting a new NFL record, but it also propelled him into the top 10 of the all-time rushing yards list, surpassing Tony Dorsett with a total of 12,892 yards. The Ravens improved their record to 8-8, keeping their playoff hopes alive, contingent on the outcome of the Pittsburgh Steelers' game against the Cleveland Browns.
Henry's performance was particularly significant given the absence of starting quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was sidelined due to a back injury. Backup Tyler Huntley stepped in, completing 16 of 20 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing 60 rushing yards. The Ravens relied heavily on Henry, who carried the ball a career-high 36 times, accounting for 48.6% of the team's offensive snaps.
Key Moments and Statistics
Henry's scoring began early, with touchdown runs of 3 and 1 yards on the Ravens' first two drives. He added another 3-yard touchdown just before halftime, and his final score—a 25-yard run—sealed the game with 1:56 remaining. This performance not only showcased Henry's ability to dominate on the ground but also highlighted the Ravens' commitment to their run game, a strategy that had been questioned following their previous loss to the New England Patriots.
The Ravens amassed a total of 307 rushing yards, significantly outpacing the Packers' 79 yards. This marked only the second time since 1979 that the Packers allowed over 300 rushing yards in a regular-season game. Henry's four touchdowns moved him past Adrian Peterson for the fourth-most rushing touchdowns in NFL history, trailing only Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Marcus Allen.
Criticism and Reflection
Henry's heavy usage came after a week of scrutiny regarding his limited carries in the previous game against the Patriots, where he did not touch the ball in the final 12 minutes. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the need to commit to Henry, stating, "We were intentional about committing to the run, for sure." This shift in strategy proved effective, as Henry's performance was described by Harbaugh as "one of the greatest performances I've ever seen."
Despite the victory, the Ravens' defense struggled, allowing Packers quarterback Malik Willis to complete 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and two rushing touchdowns before he left the game with a shoulder injury. The Ravens' secondary faced challenges, raising concerns about their ability to compete against stronger passing offenses in the playoffs.
What's Next for the Ravens
With their playoff hopes still alive, the Ravens now await the outcome of the Steelers vs. Browns game. A loss for Pittsburgh would set up a winner-take-all showdown between the Ravens and Steelers in Week 18 for the AFC North title. Henry expressed hope for the upcoming game, stating, "I’ll be watching and praying, for sure," emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum from this historic performance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's one of the greatest performances I've ever seen,” — John Harbaugh, Ravens Head Coach
- “I just wanted to go out there and make something happen.” — Derrick Henry, Ravens Running Back
- “He's one of one, and it's really just a joy to be able to block for him.” — Mark Andrews, Ravens Tight End
This victory not only solidifies Henry's legacy as one of the NFL's all-time greats but also keeps the Ravens' postseason aspirations alive, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the regular season.
