Derrick Henry Dominates as Ravens Dismantle 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. Racking up an impressive 199 yards on 24 carries, Henry not only showcased his rushing prowess but also etched his name in Ravens history with an electrifying 87-yard touchdown run on the team’s very first play from scrimmage. This remarkable run stands as the longest in franchise history, setting the tone for a night of dominance at M&T Bank Stadium.
A Night of Records and Milestones
Henry’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he fell just a yard short of achieving his seventh career 200-yard rushing game. His ability to break tackles and accelerate through the line of scrimmage left defenders grasping at air, and the home crowd erupted with each explosive play. The Ravens’ offensive strategy was clear: feed the beast. Henry’s first touchdown came on a simple handoff behind the right tackle, where he showcased his trademark speed and strength, leaving the Bills’ defense in his wake.
Lamar Jackson’s Versatile Performance
While Henry stole the spotlight, quarterback Lamar Jackson played a pivotal role in the Ravens’ offensive success. Completing 13 of 18 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns, Jackson also added 54 rushing yards and a touchdown of his own. His connection with running back Justice Hill was particularly noteworthy, as Hill caught six passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, proving to be a reliable target in the passing game. Jackson’s ability to extend plays and make quick decisions under pressure kept the Bills’ defense on its heels throughout the game.
A Defensive Showcase
On the defensive side, the Ravens were equally impressive. Baltimore’s defense stifled Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who completed 16 of 29 passes for 180 yards but was sacked three times. Kyle Van Noy was a standout performer, registering his third consecutive game with two sacks, further complicating Allen’s efforts to find rhythm. The Ravens’ defense not only pressured Allen but also forced critical turnovers, including a fumble recovery by Kyle Hamilton after Van Noy stripped the ball during a trick play.
Scoring Summary and Game Flow
The Ravens wasted no time establishing their dominance. After Henry’s explosive opening touchdown, Tyler Bass put the Bills on the board with a 50-yard field goal. However, the Ravens quickly responded, with Henry catching a 5-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter, marking his first receiving touchdown since 2019. Hill then added to the Ravens’ tally with a 19-yard touchdown reception, leaving Baltimore with a commanding 21-3 lead at halftime, having outgained the Bills 281-90 in total yards.
In the third quarter, the Bills managed to find the end zone with a 3-yard touchdown run from Ty Johnson, following a spectacular 52-yard reception by Khalil Shakir. However, the Ravens responded decisively, with Jackson scoring on a 9-yard designed run, extending the lead to 28-10. The final blow came when Patrick Ricard fell on a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown, sealing the game for Baltimore.
Player Reactions and Future Outlook
Post-game, Derrick Henry reflected on the team’s performance, acknowledging the Bills as a formidable opponent while emphasizing the Ravens’ execution. "We played a great game against them tonight," he stated, hinting at the respect he holds for the Bills despite the lopsided score. Lamar Jackson praised Henry’s unique combination of speed and power, noting, "If he gets into the secondary, he’s pretty much gone."
On the other side, Bills quarterback Josh Allen took the loss in stride, recognizing the need for improvement. "They came out with urgency and whooped our butt," he admitted, while also expressing optimism about learning from the defeat early in the season.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Looking ahead, the Bills will aim to bounce back as they travel to face CJ Stroud’s Houston Texans in Week Five. Meanwhile, the Ravens will prepare for a crucial matchup against Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals, hoping to build on their momentum from this impressive victory. As the NFL season progresses, both teams will be eager to refine their strategies and solidify their positions in the playoff race.