Derrick Henry Dominates as Ravens Overwhelm Bills
In a stunning display of power and precision, Derrick Henry led the Baltimore Ravens to a resounding 35-10 victory over the previously unbeaten Buffalo Bills on Sunday night. The Ravens’ running back showcased his elite skills, racking up an impressive 199 yards on 24 carries, including two touchdowns. His performance not only helped secure the win but also etched his name in Ravens history with the longest run in franchise history—a breathtaking 87-yard sprint on the very first play from scrimmage.
A Historic Start
Henry’s record-breaking run electrified the M&T Bank Stadium crowd, setting the tone for a night filled with excitement. The play was a simple handoff behind the right tackle, but Henry’s explosive speed and agility allowed him to slice through the Bills’ defense, leaving defenders in his wake. This remarkable start was a harbinger of the dominance that would follow, as the Ravens quickly established control over the game.
Lamar Jackson’s Versatile Performance
Quarterback Lamar Jackson complemented Henry’s ground game with a solid performance of his own. He completed 13 of 18 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing 54 rushing yards and a touchdown. Jackson’s ability to both pass and run effectively kept the Bills’ defense guessing throughout the game. His favorite target was running back Justice Hill, who caught six passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, showcasing the Ravens’ versatility in their offensive strategy.
Ravens’ Offensive Onslaught
The Ravens’ offensive onslaught continued as they scored three touchdowns in the first half alone. After Henry’s initial touchdown, Tyler Bass put the Bills on the board with a 50-yard field goal. However, the Ravens quickly responded with a 5-yard touchdown catch by Henry, marking his first receiving touchdown since 2019. Hill then added to the scoring frenzy with a 19-yard touchdown reception, leaving the Ravens with a commanding 21-3 lead at halftime. The Ravens outgained the Bills significantly, amassing 281 total yards compared to Buffalo’s meager 90.
Bills’ Struggles and Defensive Highlights
The Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. Allen completed 16 of 29 passes for 180 yards but was sacked three times, with Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy making a significant impact by recording two sacks for the third consecutive game. The Ravens’ defense was relentless, forcing turnovers and applying constant pressure on Allen, which disrupted the Bills’ offensive flow.
In the third quarter, the Bills managed to score their first touchdown of the game when Allen connected with Khalil Shakir for a 52-yard gain, followed by a 3-yard touchdown run by Ty Johnson. However, this brief glimmer of hope was quickly extinguished as the Ravens responded with a touchdown of their own, a 9-yard run by Jackson, extending their lead to 28-10.
A Fumble and a Touchdown
As the game progressed, Henry nearly added another touchdown to his impressive tally but was thwarted when a fumble at the Buffalo 2-yard line was recovered by the Ravens. Veteran fullback Patrick Ricard was credited with the touchdown, capping off a dominant performance by the Ravens and solidifying their lead.
Post-Game Reflections
After the game, Derrick Henry reflected on the Ravens’ performance, acknowledging the Bills as a formidable opponent. "The Bills are a great team. They’ve been hitting on all cylinders. We played a great game against them tonight," he said. He also expressed a hint of disappointment at falling just short of his seventh career 200-yard rushing game, stating, "That’s going to haunt me!"
Lamar Jackson praised Henry’s unique blend of speed and power, noting, "If he gets into the secondary, he’s pretty much gone, and it’s hard to catch him because he’s fast. He’s not just a powerful back." Meanwhile, Bills quarterback Josh Allen acknowledged the Ravens’ urgency and dominance, stating, "They came out with urgency and whooped our butt."
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Ravens improved to 2-2 on the season and extended their impressive record to 21-3 in primetime home games under head coach John Harbaugh. The Bills, now 3-1, will look to regroup as they head on the road to face the Houston Texans in Week Five. Meanwhile, the Ravens will prepare for a crucial matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, aiming to build on their momentum from this commanding win.
As the NFL season progresses, both teams will be eager to learn from this game and make the necessary adjustments to remain competitive in their respective divisions.