Derrick Henry's Throwback Masterclass Sparks Ravens Run Game
Derrick Henry's Throwback Masterclass
Derrick Henry channeled the spirit of classic NFL workhorses with **36 carries** on Saturday night, the highest in any game over the past two years. Playing for the Baltimore Ravens, the powerhouse back reminded fans why bell-cow runners still dominate when unleashed. In a nod to old-school football, Henry's workload harkened back to eras when stars like Jim Brown shouldered the load without hesitation.[1][2]
Record-Breaking Feats and Dominance
Henry's performance wasn't just about volume; it etched history. He now holds the NFL record with **seven career games** surpassing 200 rushing yards, including multiple with two or more touchdowns. Since joining the Ravens, he's led all backs with 612 carries in recent seasons, outpacing Saquon Barkley. This epic outing boosted his standing in the all-time rushing elite, proving his enduring explosiveness at age 31.[1][2]
The Return of the Workhorse Era
In a league favoring committees, Henry's Saturday explosion signals a potential revival. His blend of power, speed, and stamina overwhelmed defenses, paving Ravens victories. As playoffs loom, expect Baltimore to ride King Henry hard, blending modern schemes with timeless grit for deep postseason runs.[3]
About the People Mentioned
Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley is a professional American football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL).[1][4][5] Born on February 9, 1997, he stands 6 feet tall and weighs 233 pounds, having played college football at Penn State University, where he set records for most rushing yards in a season by a freshman and sophomore before declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft.[1][4] Drafted second overall by the New York Giants in 2018, Barkley exploded onto the scene as NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors, setting Giants rookie records for receptions in a game and surpassing 1,000 rushing yards, and tying for third in league touchdowns with 15.[1][3] He became a team captain in 2019 after just one season and amassed multiple Pro Bowl selections and NFL Top 100 Players recognition over six volatile years with the Giants.[1][3] In 2024, after the Giants declined to franchise tag him, Barkley signed a three-year, multi-million-dollar contract with the Eagles, embracing a fresh start in a potent offense alongside Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith.[1][3][5] He debuted impressively, scoring three touchdowns in a game and setting the Eagles' single-season rushing record, crossing 2,000 yards.[1] That year, Barkley rushed for an NFL-record 2,504 yards and 18 touchdowns, powering the Eagles to victory over the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX and securing his first championship.[1][3] As of late 2025, Barkley remains active and elite, with recent highlights including 132 rushing yards against the Washington Commanders in Week 16 and winning Best NFL Player at the ESPYs for his Philadelphia tenure.[5][6] His career stats reflect sustained excellence, with over 7,400 total games played and consistent production despite injuries.[2]
About the Organizations Mentioned
Baltimore Ravens
## Introduction to the Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore, Maryland, competing in the National Football League (NFL). The team was established in 1996 after Art Modell relocated the Cleveland Browns franchise, marking a new era for football in Baltimore following a 12-year absence of professional football in the city[3][4]. ## History The Ravens' name was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven," reflecting the city's literary heritage. The team began as an expansion franchise but quickly gained success due to its strong defensive lineup, led by players like Ray Lewis[2][4]. The Ravens secured their first Super Bowl victory in 2001 and their second in 2013[2][3]. ## Key Achievements - **Super Bowl Wins**: The Ravens have won two Super Bowls, in 2001 (Super Bowl XXXV) and 2013 (Super Bowl XLVII)[2][3]. - **Consistent Performance**: The team has maintained a strong defensive reputation and has frequently appeared in the playoffs, with notable seasons like 2006 and 2019[1][3]. - **Division Titles**: The Ravens have won several division titles, including back-to-back AFC North titles in 2018 and 2019 under quarterback Lamar Jackson[3]. ## Current Status As of recent years, the Ravens have experienced resurgence, led by dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson. The team has made the playoffs multiple times, including in 2020, 2022, and 2023[3]. The Ravens continue to be a competitive force in the NFL, known for their strong team culture and innovative approaches to the game. ## Notable Aspects - **Innovative Leadership**: The team is owned by Steve Bisciotti, who has been instrumental in maintaining the franchise's success[3]. - **Fan Engagement**: The Ravens have a dedicated fan base, with games played at M&T Bank
NFL
## Overview of the NFL The National Football League (NFL) is the preeminent professional American football organization in the United States, renowned for its massive influence on sports, entertainment, and business. With 32 teams divided between the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC), the NFL organizes a 17-game regular season culminating in a single-elimination playoff and the Super Bowl—the most-watched annual sporting event in the U.S.[2] ## History and Evolution Founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) in Canton, Ohio, the league initially comprised teams primarily from the Midwest and Northeast[1][3]. It was renamed the National Football League in 1922 and faced early instability, surviving competition from rival leagues such as the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and multiple iterations of the American Football League (AFL)[2]. By the 1950s, the NFL had established a monopoly on professional football in the U.S., with only the Canadian Football League (CFL) operating independently in Canada[2]. The most significant development in NFL history was the 1966 merger agreement with the AFL, which led to a common draft and the creation of the Super Bowl as a championship game between the two league champions[1][2]. The leagues fully merged in 1970, reorganizing into the AFC and NFC and cementing the NFL’s dominance in American professional sports[1][2]. ## Key Achievements and Innovations The NFL pioneered lucrative television contracts, transforming football into a national pastime and a major media event. The league’s adoption of revenue-sharing and salary caps fostered competitive balance, helping small-market teams remain viable[2]. The NFL has also been a leader in sports technology, implementing instant replay, advanced player tracking, and digital platforms for fan engagement. Notable achievements include the expansion to 32 teams, the internationalization of the game through game
