In a pivotal matchup for the Baltimore Ravens, running back Derrick Henry delivered an extraordinary performance, leading the team to a 41–24 victory over the Green Bay Packers on December 28, 2025. Henry rushed for a staggering 216 yards on 36 carries, scoring four touchdowns and showcasing his dominance on the field.
From the outset, Henry made his presence felt, finding the end zone on Baltimore’s first two drives. His third touchdown came just before halftime, and he capped off the evening with a 25-yard sprint to the end zone in the fourth quarter. By halftime, Henry had already amassed 106 rushing yards and three touchdowns, establishing a commanding lead that the Packers struggled to overcome.
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert expressed his frustration regarding the Ravens’ previous game strategies, questioning why the team had not utilized Henry more effectively earlier in the season. In a tweet, he remarked, “Maybe if the Ravens decided to use Derrick Henry like this last week, they’d still have real playoff hopes.” This comment underscores the sentiment that Henry’s capabilities have not been fully leveraged at critical moments.
Historic Milestone for Derrick Henry
Beyond the immediate impact of the win, Henry’s performance also marked a significant moment in NFL history. With his 216 rushing yards, he surpassed Tony Dorsett, entering the NFL’s top 10 all-time rushing list with a total of 12,892 career rushing yards. This achievement places him among legends such as Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, and Barry Sanders. Seven of the nine players ranked above him are already enshrined in the Hall of Fame, and Frank Gore is a semifinalist for induction.
In addition to climbing the rushing yards leaderboard, Henry also set new records. His third touchdown of the game pushed him past Adrian Peterson for the fourth-most rushing touchdowns in NFL history, leaving him just three scores shy of Marcus Allen for third place. This game marked Henry’s 32nd career outing with multiple rushing touchdowns, a feat only surpassed by Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson. Furthermore, Henry extended his record as the NFL leader in career 200-yard rushing games, now totaling seven.
With starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sidelined due to a back contusion, the Ravens relied heavily on Henry to support backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. The strategy proved effective, as the victory kept Baltimore’s playoff aspirations alive. Henry now stands just 368 rushing yards away from surpassing Eric Dickerson for ninth place on the all-time rushing list.
The implications of this win extend beyond the numbers. Henry’s ability to dominate in crucial moments highlights the potential for the Ravens to make a deeper playoff run, should they continue to utilize him effectively. The combination of his remarkable skills and the strategic adjustments made by the Ravens could prove vital as the postseason approaches.
