Derrick Henry delivered a phenomenal performance on Saturday, rushing for 186 yards and two touchdowns in the Baltimore Ravens’ 28-14 wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The All-Pro running back tied NFL legend Jim Brown for the most games with 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns in league history, etching his name deeper into the record books. Baltimore now advances to the divisional round, where they are likely to face the Buffalo Bills.
Henry dominates as the Ravens’ offensive centerpiece.
From the opening drive, Derrick Henry proved why he remains one of the most feared running backs in the NFL. On 26 carries, Henry bulldozed through the Steelers’ front seven, consistently gaining yardage after contact. His signature play came in the third quarter, when he broke free for a spectacular 44-yard touchdown run, showcasing his trademark combination of power and speed.
“We knew we had to set the tone early,” Henry said after the game. “Our focus was to stay physical and execute. This team thrives when we play to our strengths.”
Baltimore’s run-heavy approach, spearheaded by Henry, racked up an extraordinary 299 rushing yards—the highest total of any team in the playoffs so far. Henry’s historic outing also tied Terrell Davis for the most 150-yard playoff games in NFL history, solidifying his status as one of the all-time great postseason performers.
Lamar Jackson complements Henry with a balanced attack.
While Henry’s dominance on the ground stole the spotlight, quarterback Lamar Jackson delivered a composed and efficient performance. Jackson completed 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 81 rushing yards on 15 carries. His ability to keep the defense guessing allowed Henry to exploit gaps in Pittsburgh’s defensive line.
One of Jackson’s standout moments came on the opening drive, where he orchestrated a 95-yard march down the field, capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman. Later, just
before halftime, Jackson evaded pressure to connect with running back Justice Hill for another touchdown, extending Baltimore’s lead to 21-0. The Ravens’ offensive efficiency in the first half set the tone, leaving the Steelers scrambling to recover.
Steelers’ rally falls short as Ravens’ defense holds firm.
Despite a sluggish start, the Steelers showed life in the second half. Quarterback Russell Wilson led a scoring drive from deep in Pittsburgh territory, culminating in a 30-yard touchdown pass to Van Jefferson. Later, Wilson found George Pickens in the end zone to bring the Steelers within two scores. However, any hope of a comeback was quickly dashed as Henry responded with his 44-yard touchdown run.
Baltimore’s defense played a pivotal role, stifling the Steelers’ offense in key moments. The Ravens’ front seven consistently pressured Wilson, forcing hurried throws and limiting Pittsburgh’s run game. A critical turnover on downs midway through the fourth quarter sealed the victory for Baltimore.
Henry continues to defy expectations and make history.
At 31 years old, Derrick Henry continues to defy the typical decline associated with running backs of his age. His 186-yard performance on Saturday adds to an already stellar season, where he amassed 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Henry has proven to be the missing piece for the Ravens, providing them with a reliable bell-cow running back capable of dominating games.
“Derrick’s impact goes beyond the stats,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s a leader on and off the field. Performances like this show why he’s one of the best to ever do it.”
Saturday’s win was particularly meaningful for Ravens fans. Five years ago to the day, Henry delivered a career-defining playoff performance for the Tennessee Titans, eliminating Baltimore from the postseason. Now, as a Raven, he has redeemed that memory, giving Baltimore hope for a deep playoff run.
What’s next for Baltimore?
The Ravens will face a tougher challenge in the divisional round, most likely against the No. 2-seeded Buffalo Bills. If Buffalo is upset by the Denver Broncos, Baltimore would instead host the Houston Texans. Regardless of the opponent, the Ravens’ ability to lean on their dominant rushing attack, led by Henry, will be critical to their success.
Saturday’s performance not only cemented Derrick Henry’s place in NFL history but also reinforced the Ravens’ identity as a physical, run-first team. With Henry’s relentless style and Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities, Baltimore looks poised to compete with any team in the playoff field.
“We’re not satisfied yet,” Henry said confidently. “This is just one step. We’ve got bigger goals ahead.”
