Derrick Henry's Ball Security Woes Threaten Ravens' Lombardi Bid
Why Henry's Fumbles Matter
When the Ravens kicked off 2025, everybody expected a deep playoff run. The marquee acquisition of Derrick Henry was supposed to give Baltimore a bruising ground game to complement Lamar Jackson's arm. Instead, the veteran has become the headline for the wrong reason – three fumbles in as many games, two of them in the fourth quarter, have directly swung the outcome of losses.
Those turnovers weren’t just textbook mistakes; they came at moments when the game was on the line. In the matchup against Detroit, Henry took a handoff inside Baltimore territory with the score at 28‑24. A quick surge by Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson punched the ball loose, leading to a field goal that sealed a 38‑30 defeat. The pattern is eerily familiar to fans who watched Baltimore slip away from victory after a prolonged drive.
Historically, Henry’s reliability with the ball has been a hallmark. Over nine seasons and 136 games, he recorded only two fourth‑quarter fumbles. The sudden spike to three in three games is a statistical outlier that can’t be ignored. It not only hurts the scoreboard but also erodes trust between the backfield and the offensive line.
Beyond the turnovers, Henry’s rushing production has dipped dramatically. He managed just 24 yards on the ground against Cleveland and a meager 50 yards versus Detroit. Those numbers are far below what a player of his calibre achieved in his prime years, where 1,000‑plus yard seasons were the norm. The discrepancy suggests the Ravens may not be leveraging his skill set properly, or that the ball‑security issue is curbing his aggressiveness.
What Baltimore Can Do to Turn Things Around
The coaching staff has a few levers to pull before the next showdown with Kansas City. First, tweaking the play‑calling to give Henry more secure handoffs can reduce the risk of strip‑sacks. Using inside runs behind a double‑team block or designing off‑tackle plays where the defense’s edge rushers are occupied can give him cleaner looks.
Second, a focused ball‑security drill regime during practice could re‑instill confidence. Teams like the 2022 Patriots used repetition drills that emphasized grip strength and awareness of defensive hands; a similar approach could help Henry reset his muscle memory.
Third, the Ravens might consider a committee approach, sharing carries with a complementary back who excels in short‑yardage and pass‑protection situations. A balanced attack would keep Henry fresh, protect his legs, and lower the chances of him being targeted for big hits that often lead to fumbles.
Finally, the mental side cannot be overlooked. After the Lions loss, Henry famously slammed his helmet in frustration – a vivid display of his disappointment. Open communication with the coaching staff and teammates, coupled with reassurance that mistakes are fixable, can lift his morale. The veteran’s own statements, apologizing to fans and promising to work on the issue, show a willingness to adjust.
For Baltimore, the road to a third Lombardi Trophy widens if Henry regains his former reliability. A solid ground game relieves pressure on Jackson, opens up play‑action opportunities, and forces opponents to respect both facets of the offense. If the Ravens can align coaching adjustments, practice focus, and Henry’s personal resolve, they stand a better chance of staying in the Super Bowl conversation rather than watching another season slip away due to costly turnovers.
