Derrick Henry's Scores Keep Hope Alive for the Baltimore Ravens

As the Baltimore Ravens navigated a turbulent stretch of the 2025 NFL season—marred by offensive inconsistencies and critical late-game losses—one player emerged as a beacon of reliability: running back Derrick Henry. His timely scores, from bruising goal-line touchdowns to momentum-shifting long runs, have not only kept the Ravens in contention but have reignited belief in their playoff aspirations. Henry, who joined the Ravens in free agency, has brought a combination of power, durability, and clutch performance that the team’s offense desperately needed. Derrick Henry's Scores Keep Hope Alive for the Baltimore Ravens explores the specific moments where Henry’s touchdowns turned the tide of games, his role in stabilizing the Ravens’ rushing attack, and how his presence has become a lifeline for a team fighting to keep its season alive. For Ravens Nation, Henry’s scores aren’t just points on the board—they’re a reason to keep believing.

Derrick Henry's Scores Keep Hope Alive for the Baltimore Ravens begins with his defining performance in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns, a must-win game for the Ravens’ playoff chances. Trailing 17-10 in the third quarter, the Ravens turned to Henry to spark their offense—and he delivered. On a critical third-and-1 from the Browns’ 5-yard line, Henry took a handoff, broke two tackles, and powered into the end zone to tie the game. Later, in the fourth quarter, he sealed the victory with a 22-yard rushing touchdown, using his 6-foot-3, 247-pound frame to bulldoze through Cleveland’s defensive line and outrun linebackers to the end zone. “That’s what I’m here for—when the team needs a play, I want to be the one to make it,” Henry said after the game, which ended in a 24-17 Ravens win. The performance wasn’t just impressive statistically (132 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns); it was a statement. Henry showed that when the Ravens’ passing attack struggled, he could carry the offense—and keep their playoff dreams from fading. For a team that had dropped two of its previous three games, Henry’s scores were a much-needed shot of confidence.

A key reason Henry’s scores have been so impactful is his ability to deliver in high-pressure “money situations”—specifically, goal-line and short-yardage scenarios where the Ravens had struggled earlier in the season. Entering Week 10, the Ravens ranked 21st in the NFL in red-zone touchdown efficiency, often stalling out when within striking distance of the end zone. But with Henry in the backfield, that narrative has shifted. He’s scored 8 touchdowns from inside the 10-yard line this season, converting 75% of his goal-line carries into scores—well above the league average of 58%. One memorable example came in Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins: with the Ravens trailing 10-7 and facing fourth-and-1 from the Dolphins’ 2-yard line, Henry took a direct snap, pushed through two defenders, and crossed the goal line to give Baltimore the lead. The score not only shifted momentum but also forced Miami to abandon its run-focused defensive game plan, opening up opportunities for Lamar Jackson in the passing game. “Derrick turns ‘maybe’ into ‘definitely’ in the red zone,” Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “When we hand him the ball near the end zone, we know we’re getting points. That kind of reliability changes everything for an offense.” Derrick Henry's Scores Keep Hope Alive for the Baltimore Ravens notes that this red-zone dominance has been a game-changer, turning close losses into wins and keeping the Ravens in the playoff hunt.

Derrick Henry's Scores Keep Hope Alive for the Baltimore Ravens also delves into how his performances have stabilized the Ravens’ rushing attack—and taken pressure off Jackson. Earlier in the season, the Ravens’ run game was inconsistent, relying too heavily on Jackson’s mobility and struggling to find a consistent rhythm. But since Henry became the featured back in Week 9, the Ravens have rushed for 135+ yards in five of seven games, climbing from 18th to 7th in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Henry’s ability to grind out yards (he averages 4.8 yards per carry) and keep drives alive has reduced the need for Jackson to make high-risk throws, cutting down on turnovers and late-game mistakes. In Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, for example, Henry rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown, allowing the Ravens to control the clock for 35 minutes and limit Pittsburgh’s offensive opportunities—even in a narrow 28-25 loss. For the Baltimore Ravens, this balance between run and pass has been crucial. “When Derrick is rolling, our offense is so much harder to defend,” Jackson said. “Defenses can’t just focus on stopping me—they have to account for him too. That opens up everything.” Henry’s scores haven’t just added points; they’ve made the entire Ravens offense more dynamic.

Another way Henry’s scores have kept hope alive is by energizing the Ravens’ locker room and fan base during tough stretches. After a demoralizing Week 12 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, where the Ravens surrendered a late-game touchdown, the team needed a leader to step up. Henry did just that in the following week’s practice, pushing teammates to work harder and reminding them of their playoff goals. Then, in the Week 13 win over the Browns, his fourth-quarter touchdown sparked a raucous celebration in the locker room, with players mobbing Henry and yelling, “This is how we fight back!” The energy spilled over to the stands, where fans chanted “HEN-RY! HEN-RY!” as he left the field. For the Baltimore Ravens, this emotional lift has been just as important as the points. “Derrick doesn’t just play hard—he inspires everyone around him to play harder,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “When he scores, you can feel the energy in the stadium and the locker room shift. It’s like a switch flips, and suddenly everyone believes we can win.” This momentum has been contagious, with the Ravens winning three of their four games since Henry became the focal point of the offense.

Henry’s scores have also played a critical role in keeping the Ravens competitive in a stacked AFC, where every win matters for playoff seeding. With the Ravens fighting for a wild-card spot, Henry’s ability to turn close games into wins has been invaluable. In Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals, for instance, the Ravens were tied 14-14 in the third quarter when Henry broke free for a 45-yard rushing touchdown—his longest as a Raven—to give Baltimore the lead. The score proved to be the game-winner, as the Ravens held on for a 21-14 victory that kept them one game ahead of the Indianapolis Colts in the wild-card race. “Every win from here on out is a playoff win,” Henry said after the game. “We’re not taking anything for granted. We know how hard it is to make the playoffs in this conference, and we’re fighting for every yard, every score.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this mindset—fueled by Henry’s clutch performances—has been key. They know that without Henry’s scores, they likely wouldn’t be in contention. His presence has turned a team that was on the brink of playoff elimination into one that believes it can make a deep run.

Derrick Henry's Scores Keep Hope Alive for the Baltimore Ravens concludes with the Ravens entering the final week of the regular season with their playoff fate in their own hands—and Henry as their most valuable weapon. His 1,100 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns have not only made him a Pro Bowl candidate but have also redefined the Ravens’ offense. For Ravens Nation, Henry has become more than just a running back—he’s a symbol of resilience, a player who shows up when it matters most. As the Ravens prepare for a winner-takes-all game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, fans are counting on Henry to deliver another big performance. “Derrick Henry is the reason we still have hope,” said 32-year-old Ravens fan Emily Carter, who has attended every home game this season. “Every time he touches the ball, you think, ‘This could be the score that sends us to the playoffs.’ That’s the kind of excitement he brings.” Whether the Ravens make the playoffs or not, one thing is clear: Derrick Henry’s scores have kept their season alive—and given Ravens fans a reason to cheer through the ups and downs. In the end, Derrick Henry's Scores Keep Hope Alive for the Baltimore Ravens isn’t just about touchdowns—it’s about the belief that, with the right player leading the way, anything is possible.