Derrick Henry’s Stellar Performance Powers Baltimore Ravens to Victory

Derrick Henry: The NFL’s Leading Rusher and a Fortune Teller?

As well as being the current premier rusher in the NFL, Derrick Henry apparently has a knack for predicting his own performances. His astonishing 87-yard touchdown run during the Baltimore Ravens’ 35-10 trouncing of the previously unbeaten Buffalo Bills was particularly noteworthy.

Henry, in a post-match interview, shared his pre-game prediction, “It was indescribable. I had mentioned in an interview on Friday about kicking off the game with a big move, and that’s exactly what happened. Sometimes, you manifest your own realities.”

Henry’s Impact on Ravens’ Offense

Henry’s formidable running and explosive speed have boosted the Ravens to level their record at 2-2, adding a new dimension to their offensive strategies. In contrast to the last six seasons, where quarterback Lamar Jackson was the key to Baltimore’s game, the Ravens now have an explosive runner in Henry alongside the current NFL Most Valuable Player.

Ravens’ Comeback After Initial Struggles

Following their first 0-2 start in nearly a decade, the Ravens have bounced back with consecutive wins, closing the gap to the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) in the AFC North. The Ravens’ triumph also marked the end of Buffalo’s 43-game streak of not losing by at least 10 points, the longest active streak in the NFL.

Henry’s Remarkable Performance

Henry had a standout game, tallying 199 yards rushing, 10 yards receiving, and two touchdowns. This was his eighth career game with 200 yards from scrimmage and multiple touchdowns, a record surpassed only by LaDainian Tomlinson (10) in NFL history.

For the season, Henry is leading the NFL with 480 yards rushing, the highest by any player through four games since 2021 when Henry himself had an impressive 510 yards in the first four games.

Henry’s Run Sets the Tone

Henry’s run through a wide gap on the right side of the line and his 87-yard sprint to the end zone untouched set the tone for the game. This was the longest rushing touchdown by any player on the opening offensive play of the game since 2013.

The Ravens’ Most Complete Win of the Season

With Henry’s help, the Ravens delivered their most comprehensive win of the season. Scoring touchdowns on their first three drives, the Ravens’ offense was on fire. Meanwhile, their defense held Bills quarterback Josh Allen without any rushing or passing touchdowns for the first time since 2021.

The Ravens’ previous two games saw them falter towards the end. However, this time, they sealed their victory convincingly, forcing Allen to be withdrawn with over 7 minutes remaining.

“We’re just getting started,” opined Ravens’ coach John Harbaugh. “We know we’re capable of great things, but there’s still a long journey ahead and plenty of work to do. We’re only four games in, with 13 more to play. The rest of the season will be determined by how we perform in the coming games.”