Derrick Henry: Predicting the Future and Breaking Records

Aside from leading the NFL in rushing, Derrick Henry seems to have another trick up his sleeve: predicting the future. Henry’s incredible 87-yard touchdown on the opening play of the Baltimore Ravens’ 35-10 crushing of the previously unbeaten Buffalo Bills seemed to validate his claim of predicting his own performance. “It was incredible,” Henry shared with the Ravens’ website post-game. “In an interview on Friday, I spoke about starting the game off with a substantial play, and that’s exactly what happened. Sometimes what you say really does come into fruition.”

The Impact of Henry’s Exceptional Running

Henry’s formidable running and impressive speed played a significant role in balancing the Ravens’ record at 2-2, adding a new dimension of threat to their offense. Unlike the past six seasons, which saw quarterback Lamar Jackson shouldering Baltimore, the Ravens now boast a dynamic duo, pairing a big-play runner like Henry with the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player.

Ravens’ Recovery and Dominance

After a rocky 0-2 start – their first in nine years – the Ravens have bounced back with two consecutive wins, closing in on the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) for the top spot in the AFC North. They also shattered Buffalo’s 43-game streak of not losing by at least 10 points, the longest active streak in the NFL. However, the Ravens played down their impressive victory over the Bills. “We didn’t win a Super Bowl today,” cautioned Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. “It’s only Week 4, and we’re working towards our goal — which we missed last year. We have a long journey ahead, but we’re on the right track.”

Henry’s Contribution to Baltimore’s Win

Henry played a crucial role in Baltimore’s victory on Sunday, amassing 199 yards rushing, 10 yards receiving, and two touchdowns. This marked his eighth career game with 200 yards from scrimmage and multiple touchdowns, trailing only LaDainian Tomlinson (10). For the season, Henry leads the NFL with 480 yards rushing, the highest by any player through four games since 2021, when he ran for 510 yards in the initial four games. “He’s truly unique,” Ravens Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard said of Henry. “That’s why he’s consistently been one of the best backs in the league.”

Derrick Henry’s Unforgettable Performance Boosts Ravens

An 87-Yard Touchdown Delivers a Strong Start

“Derrick Henry expressed his excitement on Friday about making a significant impact early in the game. His words came to life in an 87-yard touchdown on the first play of the game against the Ravens,” shared an ecstatic Henry. This unexpected spectacle became a reality as he dashed through a large opening on the right side of the line, making his way to the end zone without any interference. This achievement marked the longest opening offensive play touchdown since 2013 when Terrelle Pryor made a 93-yard touchdown during the Raiders’ kickoff against the Steelers, as per our research.

Henry’s Speed and Power

At the ripe age of 30, Henry demonstrated his agility with a top speed of 21.29 mph, as recorded by NFL Next Gen Stats. This ties for the fourth-fastest speed by a ball carrier this season and marks Henry’s eighth-speediest since 2018. Jackson emphasized Henry’s dual-threat capabilities, stating, “Once he breaches the secondary, it’s nearly impossible to catch him. He’s not just strong, he’s swift, as he exhibited on the first offensive possession.”

The only letdown of the game was Henry’s failure to secure his sixth 200-yard rushing game, falling short by a single yard. But teammate Ricard reassured, “We’ll make it happen for him. It’s all in good time.”

A Promising Start to the Season

Despite it being only Week 4, the team is optimistic about their path forward. “We didn’t clinch the Super Bowl today, but we’re on the right track to achieve what we couldn’t last year,” expressed Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton.

A Comprehensive Win for the Ravens

With Henry’s assistance, the Ravens accomplished their most comprehensive victory of the season. They notched touchdowns on their initial three drives and successfully prevented Bills quarterback Josh Allen from scoring any rushing or passing touchdowns. This marked the first time Allen had been held scoreless since 2021.

Allen acknowledged the Ravens’ dominance, saying, “Their performance outshone ours. They were the more urgent team tonight and they outplayed us.”

Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future

In the past two games, the Ravens had experienced difficulties in the final stages. A double-digit lead was lost to the Raiders in Week 2, and a 22-point lead was barely maintained against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. However, Sunday’s game saw a commanding closure, with Allen being substituted with 7:17 left on the clock.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh is optimistic about the team’s growth. “We are on an upward trajectory,” he affirmed. “We are aware of our potential, but also recognize that we have a long journey and a lot of work ahead. With only four games down and 13 regular season games remaining, our season’s fate will be determined by our performance in the upcoming games.”