The holiday cheer reached a fever pitch in Houston on Christmas Day, as Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry unwrapped a record-breaking present for his team. With a 2-yard touchdown plunge on the opening drive against the Texans, Henry surpassed Ravens legends Ray Rice and Mark Ingram to claim sole possession of the franchise’s single-season touchdown record.
The score, Henry’s 16th of the year, snapped a four-game touchdown drought for the powerful back – his third-longest dry spell since joining the Ravens. More importantly, it set the tone in a game Baltimore desperately needed to maintain control of their playoff destiny in the hotly contested AFC North.
Steelers Stumble Opens Door for Ravens
Earlier on Christmas, the Ravens received a gift from an unlikely source: their archrivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs means Baltimore can clinch a second straight division title by winning out.
That path starts with taking care of business against a struggling Texans squad. Baltimore entered the game as heavy favorites, but slow starts have plagued them this season. In fact, Henry’s opening touchdown marked the Ravens’ first time reaching the end zone on their first drive since way back in Week 5.
Finishing Strong
With their postseason fate now firmly in their own hands, the Ravens will look to finish the season on a high note. After the Texans, Baltimore closes out the campaign at M&T Bank Stadium against the Cleveland Browns.
We control our own destiny now. These next two games are like playoffs for us. We know what’s at stake, and it starts by taking care of business today.
Derrick Henry on the Ravens’ mindset entering Week 17
Henry, who is no stranger to carrying the load for his team, appears ready to shoulder the burden once again. His rugged running style and nose for the end zone make him a lethal weapon, especially late in the season when defenses are worn down.
History in the Making
With Henry now sitting atop the Ravens’ record books for single-season touchdowns, fans may be wondering what other milestones are within reach. While the all-time single-season rushing record is likely out of reach, Henry does have a chance to etch his name alongside some of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
- 2,000 Rushing Yards – Henry needs 223 yards over the final two games to hit this milestone for the second time in his illustrious career.
- 20 Touchdowns – If Henry can reach the end zone four more times, he’ll join an exclusive club of backs who have hit that mark in a season.
Regardless of any individual accolades, Henry’s primary focus remains on leading his team back to the playoffs – and ultimately, to a Super Bowl. If he can continue his record-setting pace, the Ravens like their chances of making a deep postseason run.
So as NFL fans everywhere enjoy the final stretch of the regular season, all eyes will be on Baltimore to see if their superstar running back can deliver an unforgettable finish. Derrick Henry’s Christmas miracle in Houston may have been just the beginning.
