The NFL playoffs are heating up, and so are the entertaining postgame soundbites from victorious players. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson stole the show after his team’s 28-14 wild-card round win over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a hilarious comparison involving his star running back Derrick Henry.
Lamar’s Lightning McQueen Likening
In the jubilant Ravens locker room, Jackson described what it’s like to watch Henry charge down the field:
“When Lightning McQueen gets flying, flashing past, like ‘pshew, pshew’ … that’s how Derrick go.”
– Lamar Jackson on Derrick Henry’s speed
The colorful quote references the speedy protagonist race car Lightning McQueen from the popular animated Cars film franchise. Jackson’s spot-on sound effects and enthusiastic delivery instantly made the clip viral on social media.
Henry’s Heroics
The comparison was apt, as Henry was absolutely electric in the Ravens’ win. The powerful back totaled 170 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, including an explosive 44-yard scoring scamper in the third quarter that pushed the lead to 21-7 and effectively sealed the victory.
Henry’s combination of breakaway speed and rugged physicality makes him a nightmare for defenses, much like the red-hot Ravens are now a scary matchup for any opponent. With Jackson and Henry leading the charge, Baltimore looks primed for a deep playoff run.
More Wild-Card Wit
Jackson’s quip was the crown jewel, but other players also provided clever remarks after wild-card wins:
- C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans QB: “It’s not about how you start, it’s how you finish.” Houston started slow but piled up 22 second-half points to rout the Chargers 28-9.
- Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys QB: “We’re not done yet, not even close.” Prescott stayed focused on the future after a dominant win over the Giants.
The memorable quotes add extra entertainment value to the already dramatic NFL playoffs. As the intensity ratchets up in the divisional round and beyond, fans will be treated to even more elite play – and lively press conferences – from the league’s biggest stars.
Vrooming Into the Future
While the Cars jokes were all in good fun, Jackson and Henry forming a dangerous duo is no laughing matter for opposing teams. Their complementary skill sets make the Ravens offense extremely difficult to game plan against. No matter how the postseason unfolds, the pair has already secured their place among the NFL’s most exhilarating players. Much like Lightning McQueen, they can kick things into high gear at any moment and leave the competition in the dust.
