In a disappointing matchup on March 15, 2024, the Baltimore Ravens faced off against the Detroit Lions, ending in a 38-30 defeat. The game was marked by critical mistakes, including three fumbles by star running back Derrick Henry, a performance that raised concerns among fans and teammates alike.
Henry’s latest fumble came at a pivotal moment during the fourth quarter, with the Ravens trailing 28-24. As he attempted to advance the ball, Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson executed a decisive punch, stripping the ball free. Cornerback D.J. Reed promptly recovered the fumble at the Ravens’ 16-yard line. Although Baltimore’s defense managed to limit Detroit’s advance, forcing a 45-yard field goal, the turnover shifted momentum back to the Lions. The Ravens’ subsequent possession resulted in a quick three-and-out, allowing Detroit to secure their victory with a touchdown run from David Montgomery.
After the game, Henry expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s not a good feeling. I apologize to Flock Nation, and I just want to keep working and get this fixed.” His performance this season has been strikingly uncharacteristic. The 31-year-old running back, known for his reliability, had fumbled only three times throughout the entire previous season while rushing for 1,921 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns. In stark contrast, Henry has already lost the ball three times in just three games this year, representing a troubling fumble rate of 7%, compared to his career average of 0.79% over 2,529 touches.
Henry’s emotional response was evident on the sidelines after the fumble. He slammed his helmet in frustration and was seen deep in conversation with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “I was talking to everybody, trying to figure out what they saw or if I had the ball loose,” he reflected. Harbaugh described the play as “a little bit of the perfect storm,” noting that it was a “blind shot” as Henry was unaware of the defender’s approach.
Despite Henry’s missteps, several teammates rallied to support him. Tight end Mark Andrews emphasized the team’s trust in their running back, recalling his own previous mistakes, including a fumble that affected a crucial playoff game. He stated, “We know the type of guy that [Henry] is, and there’s no one harder on himself than Derrick is. We’ll get right.” Quarterback Lamar Jackson also reassured Henry, urging the team to move on from the setback.
In acknowledging his struggles, Henry displayed a sense of introspection, stating, “I’m my worst critic, so I’m not going to try to beat myself up too much, but it’s hard not to when it’s consecutive and consistent [instances] of me doing the same thing.” As the Ravens prepare for their upcoming games, Henry’s focus will be on reviewing film and correcting his mistakes.
The Ravens now face the challenge of regrouping as they look to improve their performance in the coming weeks. The team and its fans will be hoping that Henry can return to form and deliver the consistency that has defined his notable career.
