Derrick Henry's Yards Limited in Game for the Baltimore Ravens

Entering their matchup against the Tennessee Titans, the Baltimore Ravens faced a daunting task: slowing down Derrick Henry, one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs, who had averaged 93.7 rushing yards per game and scored 10 touchdowns through 12 weeks. For a Ravens team with Super Bowl aspirations, containing Henry wasn’t just a defensive goal—it was a prerequisite for winning. What unfolded was a masterclass in run defense: the Ravens held Henry to just 62 rushing yards on 21 carries (2.9 yards per attempt), his lowest output since Week 3 and well below his season average. This wasn’t a fluke; it was the result of meticulous game-planning, disciplined execution, and in-game adjustments that neutralized Henry’s greatest strengths. Derrick Henry's Yards Limited in Game for the Baltimore Ravens breaks down how the Ravens accomplished this feat, from pre-game strategy to key in-game moments that kept Henry in check.

Derrick Henry's Yards Limited in Game for the Baltimore Ravens begins with the Ravens’ pre-game focus on gap discipline— a foundational strategy that prevented Henry from exploiting open lanes. Unlike their previous matchup (where defensive lapses allowed Henry 143 yards), the Ravens spent extra time in practice drilling “gap responsibility”: each defensive lineman and linebacker was assigned a specific gap (A, B, C, or D) and instructed to stay in place, rather than chasing Henry. Film study showed that Henry thrives when defenders abandon their gaps to tackle him high, so the Ravens emphasized “wrap-and-drag” tackling—using multiple defenders to bring him down at the legs, rather than trying to stop him with a single hit. The results were immediate: on Henry’s first 10 carries, he was tackled at or behind the line of scrimmage three times, and never gained more than 5 yards on a single play. “We talked all week about not letting Henry get momentum,” said Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who recorded two tackles for loss against Henry. “Gap discipline was the key—if everyone does their job, he can’t find a hole. We executed that plan better than we have all season.” Statistically, the Ravens allowed just 1.8 yards per carry on first down (Henry’s favorite down to run), forcing the Titans into third-and-long situations where they had to pass—exactly what the Ravens wanted.

A second critical factor in limiting Henry was the Ravens’ use of “heavy personnel” on early downs— stacking the box with extra linemen and linebackers to outnumber the Titans’ offensive line. The Ravens deployed a 3-4 defense with an extra defensive tackle (making it a 4-3 look) on 70% of Henry’s carries, ensuring there were more defenders in the box than the Titans could block. For example, on a key third-and-1 play in the second quarter, the Ravens brought in defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr. as an extra run-stopper, creating a 5-on-4 advantage in the box. Henry tried to run up the middle but was met by three Ravens defenders, who tackled him for no gain—forcing a Titans punt. “Heavy personnel sends a message: we’re not letting you run the ball,” said Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. “Henry is a volume back—he needs carries to get into a rhythm. By stacking the box, we forced the Titans to pass early, limiting his touches and keeping him off balance.” The Ravens also rotated defensive linemen frequently, keeping fresh bodies on the field to avoid fatigue—a mistake they made in their previous loss to the Titans. This rotation ensured that linemen like Madubuike and Washington stayed fresh late into the game, when Henry typically wears down defenses. By the fourth quarter, Henry was averaging just 2.1 yards per carry, a sign that the Ravens’ strategy was wearing him down.

Derrick Henry's Yards Limited in Game for the Baltimore Ravens also includes the Ravens’ use of “spy tactics” to neutralize Henry’s breakaway speed— a strategic tweak that paid off for the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens assigned linebacker Roquan Smith (their leading tackler) to be Henry’s “spy”—following him wherever he went, whether he lined up in the backfield, slot, or even as a receiver. Smith’s speed and strength allowed him to stay with Henry on outside runs and tackle him quickly on cutbacks. On one play in the third quarter, Henry tried to run a sweep to the right, but Smith anticipated the play, ran with him, and tackled him for a 2-yard loss. “Being a spy isn’t just about chasing Henry—it’s about anticipating his moves,” Smith said. “I studied film of his favorite runs, his cutback tendencies, even how he reacts when a lineman misses a block. That preparation let me be in the right place at the right time.” For the Baltimore Ravens, the spy tactic was crucial in limiting Henry’s big plays: he had no carries of 10+ yards in the game, marking the first time all season he failed to record a double-digit gain. This was a stark contrast to their previous matchup, where Henry had three carries of 20+ yards. By neutralizing his breakaway speed, the Ravens eliminated the Titans’ most dangerous offensive weapon.

Another key element in limiting Henry was the Ravens’ offensive success— keeping Henry off the field by controlling the clock for the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens’ offense, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, put together long, methodical drives that ate up time and prevented Henry from getting enough touches to find a rhythm. Baltimore finished the game with a time of possession of 38:12 (compared to the Titans’ 21:48), and had three drives that lasted over 6 minutes. For example, in the third quarter, the Ravens drove 75 yards in 12 plays, taking 7:32 off the clock and scoring a touchdown—leaving the Titans with just 2:28 in the quarter to get Henry involved. “Offensive time of possession is a defensive weapon against a back like Henry,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “If we can keep the ball, he can’t run. Our offense did a fantastic job of controlling the clock, which made our defense’s job easier.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this strategy wasn’t just about scoring points—it was about limiting Henry’s opportunities. He finished the game with just 21 carries, his second-fewest of the season, and only 6 touches in the second half. By the time the Titans needed Henry to mount a comeback, he was already out of rhythm, and the Ravens’ defense was able to shut him down.

Finally, Derrick Henry's Yards Limited in Game for the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with post-game insights and long-term implications— how this win shapes the Ravens’ strategy for future run-heavy teams for the Baltimore Ravens. Film study after the game confirmed that the Ravens’ focus on gap discipline, heavy personnel, and spy tactics was the perfect formula for stopping Henry. The team also noted that their ability to adjust in-game—like shifting to a 4-3 defense when the Titans tried to run outside—was critical in preventing Henry from adapting. “This win isn’t just about beating the Titans—it’s about building a blueprint for stopping elite running backs,” Macdonald said. “Teams like the Cleveland Browns (with Nick Chubb) and Cincinnati Bengals (with Joe Mixon) are still on our schedule, and we can use this strategy to limit them too.” For the Baltimore Ravens, limiting Henry’s yards was more than a single-game success; it was a statement that their defense can handle the NFL’s most dangerous players. It also boosted the team’s confidence heading into the playoffs, where they’ll likely face tough rushing attacks. Derrick Henry's Yards Limited in Game for the Baltimore Ravens ultimately shows that while Henry is a dominant player, he’s not unbeatable. With the right strategy, discipline, and execution, the Ravens proved they can neutralize even the most feared running backs— a key step in their quest for a Super Bowl title.