Derrick Henry is ready to do more heavy lifting to help the Ravens move into the playoffs.
The future Hall of Fame running back is coming off a virtuoso performance, scoring four touchdowns and rushing for 216 yards on a career-high 36 carries in Week 17. He'll turn 32 years old in three days, but Henry remains a dominant force with a unique combination of power and speed.
Whenever Henry left the game during Baltimore's 41-24 win over Green Bay, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken said there was little chance Henry would be on the sideline for long.
"I said, 'No, no, get him back in there,'" Monken said, drawing laughter. "I've been through that. Get his [butt] back in there."Backup running back Keaton Mitchell feels the same way and told Henry.
"Hell yeah, just let me know when you're tired," Mitchell said. "Nobody wants to hit him in the cold."
What will Henry do next? That's a major storyline entering Sunday night's do-or-die Ravens-Steelers showdown for the AFC North championship and a playoff berth.
Henry wasn't happy after the Ravens lost to the Steelers in Week 14, after being held to 94 yards on 25 carries. He wants to flip the script on Pittsburgh's home turf, and a heavy dose of Henry could be the formula that leads to victory.
He's not resting on his marquee performance. He's rejuvenated and ready to get payback in Pittsburgh.
"I feel like we're the underdog in this game. They came in our house and beat us," Henry said. "They have a better record. They're up on us.
"They got the upper hand on me. Had a great game plan, great scheme, executed it well. I didn't like how I played last game [against Pittsburgh]. Watching film from that game, just trying to be better, make sure I'm ready when that time comes."
Since Henry joined the Ravens in 2024, they have a 13-2 record when he has 20 or more carries. The more touches he gets, the more opportunities the Ravens have to impose their physicality on offense.
When Henry has the football, his teammates see an opportunity to throw a block party. The Green Bay game was memorable not only for Henry, but for Pro Bowl fullback Pat Ricard, the offensive line, and for the tight ends and receivers who helped spring him. It's something the Ravens hope to continue against Pittsburgh and beyond.
"When the guys up front are playing the way they did, it was really incredible watching that film and seeing what they were doing," tight end Mark Andrews said.
"Obviously, Derrick getting downhill, and everybody just fighting their butts off; really, the energy all around on offense was top-notch. I just think for us building on that, continuing to be efficient and focusing on our jobs will carry us through."
The Steelers will commit plenty of resources toward keeping the Ravens from having another monster game on the ground. Both Henry and Mitchell, who had a 55-yard run against the Steelers in Week 14, can break loose at any time.
However, Head Coach Mike Tomlin told reporters this week that stopping Henry would never be far from his thought process, even with Lamar Jackson making his return to the lineup.
"To be quite honest with you, when things get thick, they play a certain way, regardless of who's playing quarterback," Tomlin said. "Usually, the ball is going to go through the big runner, and that's what we expect."
As good as Henry is, it takes many factors for Baltimore's running game to click – sustaining drives, avoiding negative plays and turnovers, avoiding double-digit deficits.
Monken has sensed Baltimore's running game building momentum for several weeks and believes the Ravens have found a sweet spot that's sustainable. The Ravens ran 74 offensive plays against Green Bay, the third most they've had this season. If the Ravens can keep their offense on the field Sunday night, Henry's chances to wear down Pittsburgh's defense will increase.
With Jackson back in the lineup, the Steelers will also have to worry about his dual-threat ability. If Pittsburgh decides to load the box, Monken said the Ravens will have to make the Steelers pay.
"The way to get people out of stacking the box is to get the ball down the field and the ability to be explosive," Monken said. "Three, four, and five-yard gains are not going to get them out of that mentality. You have to be able to run the ball effectively when you have numbers."
However, the running back wearing No. 22 is the most important piece of Baltimore's rushing attack. Henry is on a roll, and the Ravens would love to ride that into the playoffs.
"The way he takes care of himself, as the year goes on, he's going to get stronger," Monken said. "As the weather turns the way it does, you're going to need him. At the end of games, you're going to need him."
