Derrick Henry
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Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh defended Derrick Henry after the RB struggled in Week 2.
It was his worst game in a Baltimore Ravens uniform, but two-time NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry can be forgiven, according to head coach John Harbaugh. Forgiven because of the way the Cleveland Browns committed to shutting down Baltimore’s Henry-led running game.
Harbaugh explained how the Browns stayed “blitzing the run” during the Ravens’ 41-17 win at M&T Bank Stadium in Week 2, per The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer. As Harbaugh detailed, Cleveland’s defense “definitely had a bunch of guys on the line of scrimmage and they were triggering to stop the run.”
John Harbaugh said the Browns were "blitzing the run" Sunday, which led to the Ravens' off day (21 carries for 45 yards).
"They definitely had a bunch of guys on the line of scrimmage and they were triggering to stop the run."
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) September 15, 2025
The aggressive approach helped the Browns maintain a strong recent record of frustrating Henry. He usually beats up defenses on the ground, but the 31-year-old had to settle for not making good on his warning to make trash-talking Browns safety Grant Delpit eat his words.
Instead, Delpit and the Browns made sure Henry could never get on track on Sunday, September 14. The plan made sense to Harbaugh, who conceded, “They weren’t going to get beat by the run. That’s smart football. They did a great job with it,” per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.
Harbaugh: “They weren’t going to get beat by the run. That’s smart football. They did a great job with it.”
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 15, 2025
Henry couldn’t make a dent because the Cleveland defense dominated up front. Yet, the Ravens finding a way to win without their prolific running back delivering the goods is proof of the talent and versatility of a loaded roster.
Derrick Henry Given No Chance vs. Browns
The Ravens losing the battle in the trenches meant Henry never had a chance of breaking down a stubborn Browns defense. Rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham was the main force, being credited with “3 run stops” of Henry, according to SCOUTD.
Graham’s destructive tendencies wrecked the rushing schemes of Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. So did the Browns tackling in numbers and putting multiple hats on Henry.
The ganged-up swarming forced another fumble from Henry, who was guilty of a critical lapse in ball security against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Fortunately, this time Henry’s blushes were spared by wide receiver Tylan Wallace getting to the loose ball ahead of the Browns.
Wallace also snagged one of franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson’s four touchdown passes. Those scores were part of how the Ravens found ways to win without Henry.
Ravens Can Win in Multiple Ways
Jackson was in imperious form, particularly through his spectacular connection with decorated veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The two mega stars got plenty of help, though, in the form of a blocked punt and two defensive takeaways that translated into 21 points.
This 63-yard fumble return by middle linebacker Roquan Smith proved the highlight of the Ravens’ big-play bonanza.
All of the splash plays underscored how these Ravens don’t need to be overly reliant on the Jackson and Henry double act that carried them last season. If one member of the marquee duo is enduring an off day, the way Henry did against the Browns, another phase of the team can make the difference.
That’s not to say Harbaugh won’t want to see an improvement from the running game. Fortunately, Henry can usually be counted on to get back to his best in a hurry, even though Week 3’s opponents the Detroit Lions will present a similarly tough run front.
At least the Ravens know they can lean into other parts of their team and still dominate.