Derrick Henry delivered a spectacular performance on December 28, 2025, leading the Baltimore Ravens to a critical 41–24 victory over the Green Bay Packers. With the team’s playoff aspirations on the line, Henry rushed for a career-high 216 yards on 36 carries and scored four touchdowns, showcasing his ability to dominate the field from the very first drive.
Henry’s impact was immediate. He found the end zone during Baltimore’s first two drives and added another touchdown before halftime, finishing the first half with 106 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His fourth touchdown, a decisive 25-yard run in the fourth quarter, underscored the Ravens’ control over the game, leaving the Packers struggling to mount a comeback.
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert expressed concern over the Ravens’ earlier game strategies, suggesting that had they utilized Henry more effectively in previous matches, they might still be in contention for the playoffs. He tweeted, “Maybe if the Ravens decided to use Derrick Henry like this last week, they’d still have real playoff hopes.” This remark highlights the ongoing debate about the team’s use of their star running back, particularly during crucial moments of the season when injuries to key players have simplified their offensive approach.
Historic Milestones for Henry
Beyond the immediate implications of the game, Henry’s performance also marked a significant milestone in NFL history. With his impressive yardage, he surpassed Tony Dorsett to enter the top 10 of all-time rushing leaders, now holding the 10th position with 12,892 career rushing yards. He trails only nine other legendary backs, including Hall of Famers like Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, and Barry Sanders.
Additionally, Henry’s third touchdown of the night moved him past Adrian Peterson for the fourth-most rushing touchdowns in NFL history, positioning him just three scores away from Marcus Allen for third place all-time. This game also marked Henry’s 32nd career outing with multiple rushing touchdowns, placing him behind only Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson. He extended his record as the NFL’s leader in career 200-yard rushing games with a total of seven.
With starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sidelined due to a back contusion, the Ravens relied heavily on Henry to support backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. This strategic pivot proved successful, keeping Baltimore’s playoff hopes alive as they now focus on their next match. Henry is just 368 yards away from surpassing Eric Dickerson for ninth place on the all-time rushing list, a target that looms large as the season progresses.
The Ravens will look to build on this momentum as they head into their final games of the season, with Henry’s performance serving as both a rallying cry and a reminder of his immense talent and potential.