Derrick Henry Reflects on Costly Ravens Playoff Drop, Admits the Missed Catch Against Bills Still ‘Makes Me Cringe’ Today

Baltimore Ravens star running back Derrick Henry is no stranger to adversity. But even for a player of his stature—one of the most dominant rushers of the past decade—certain moments remain unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. In a recent interview, Henry openly reflected on a pivotal drop during the Ravens’ AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills—a moment he now admits “makes me cringe.”

The rare lapse came during a high-stakes fourth-quarter drive in a game that could have sent Baltimore to the AFC Championship. With the Ravens trailing by just four points and facing a manageable 2nd-and-7 at midfield, quarterback Lamar Jackson dumped a short pass toward Henry in the flat. The ball hit Henry square in the hands. And then, it hit the turf.

A Drop That Shifted Momentum

The drop didn’t just kill the drive—it shifted the game’s momentum. Two plays later, the Ravens were forced to punt. The Bills took over and drove down the field for a touchdown that effectively sealed Baltimore’s fate.

“It’s one of those plays that sticks with you,” Henry told reporters after a Ravens training camp session this week. “I pride myself on being reliable, especially in critical moments. I let the team down, and to this day, that pass makes me cringe.”

The admission drew sympathy from both fans and analysts, many of whom appreciate Henry’s accountability. However, it also re-ignited the debate about whether Henry, for all his dominance as a runner, fits seamlessly into the Ravens’ evolving offense under new coordinator Todd Monken—a scheme that emphasizes versatility, especially in the passing game.

Why the Moment Matters

The Ravens acquired Henry in the offseason via free agency, betting big on his bruising style and playoff pedigree. After years of relying on a running back committee, Baltimore viewed Henry as a cornerstone—someone who could bring postseason muscle and a veteran voice to the locker room.

But plays like the one against the Bills add weight to criticisms that Henry is a two-down back in a league moving quickly toward multipurpose skill sets. Critics have long pointed out that Henry’s pass-catching numbers don’t stack up to modern backs like Christian McCaffrey or Alvin Kamara.

That drop in the playoffs didn’t just stall a drive. For some, it reinforced those doubts.

“I’m not going to sit here and pretend that was my best moment,” Henry said. “But I’ve made plays my whole career. I’ll make up for it.”

Ravens Coaching Staff Offers Support

To their credit, the Ravens’ coaching staff isn’t pressing the panic button. Head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken have both publicly expressed support for Henry since the playoff loss.

“Derrick is one of the hardest-working guys I’ve been around,” Harbaugh told reporters. “We’ve all made mistakes. That play won’t define him.”

Monken echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the Ravens’ offensive identity is still forming, and Henry is a crucial part of it.

“We know what we’re getting with Derrick,” Monken said. “He’s an elite player. One drop doesn’t change that. What matters is how he responds.”

Henry has been a full participant in training camp, and by all accounts, he’s responded well. His route-running has improved, and his pass-catching reps have increased dramatically compared to earlier in his career.

“He’s putting in the work,” said Ravens running backs coach Willie Taggart. “You can see he’s not just going through the motions. He wants to evolve.”

Teammates Stand Behind Him

In the Ravens’ locker room, support for Henry remains strong. Veteran receiver Rashod Bateman, who also dealt with injuries and criticism in the past, called the running back “one of the toughest guys mentally I’ve ever been around.”

“You drop a ball in a playoff game and still come back here owning it and grinding every day?” Bateman said. “That’s a leader.”

Lamar Jackson, Henry’s quarterback and the face of the franchise, echoed that tone.

“It happens,” Jackson said. “I’ve thrown picks in bad moments. We all mess up. But I trust him, man. I trust him.”

The Bigger Picture for Henry and the Ravens

While the playoff drop is the flashpoint, the real question is how Henry will fit into Baltimore’s longer-term plans. He signed a two-year deal, and at 30 years old, he’s nearing the tail end of the typical NFL running back’s prime.

Yet his arrival marks a shift in Baltimore’s offensive philosophy. In a league of pass-first strategies, the Ravens are doubling down on physicality. Pairing Henry with Jackson could be a nightmare for defenses—if it works.

The Ravens open their season against the Houston Texans, a game that will showcase the team’s new-look offense for the first time. All eyes will be on Henry—not just for his rushing yards, but for how he performs in the passing game.

“There’s a chip on my shoulder,” Henry admitted. “I hear the talk. I’ve heard it for years. But I’m ready to prove that I can be a complete back in this system.”

Legacy Still Intact—But Pressure Mounts

Derrick Henry’s legacy as one of the greatest pure runners in NFL history is already secure. He’s a two-time rushing leader, a 2,000-yard rusher, and the engine behind some of the league’s most punishing ground games.

But in Baltimore, expectations are different. The Ravens don’t just need a runner—they need a finisher. A difference-maker in every phase of the offense. A player who won’t drop the ball when everything’s on the line.

Henry knows this. And that drop against the Bills? It’s the reminder he didn’t want—but perhaps the one he needed.

“Sometimes failure is the best fuel,” he said. “That moment is in the back of my mind every time I touch the field.”

There’s no shortage of pressure on Derrick Henry heading into the 2025 season. The Ravens are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, and their margin for error is razor-thin. For Henry, every carry, every catch—or every missed one—will be under the microscope.

But if his recent candor is any indication, he’s not running from the challenge.

“It still makes me cringe,” he said again, shaking his head. “But that won’t be the last chapter of my story. Not even close.”