Despite a five-game win streak, the typically elite Baltimore Ravens offense never looked quite right. Now, after an embarrassing 32-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving Day, where the Ravens committed five turnovers, panic is understandably at an all-time high. Last season, the Ravens averaged 424.9 yards per game, which was first in the league; now that number is down to 317.3 yards per game, which ranks 21st in the league.
While there are several factors at play, the biggest to me has been Derrick Henry's low usage. Yes, the 31-year-old hasn't been as dominant as he was in his first season with Baltimore. Regardless, he remains the Ravens' most reliable source of offense, and Todd Monken needs to utilize him more.
At first glance, Henry is still averaging a respectable 16.4 rushing attempts per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Last season, though, Henry ranked fourth in the league with 19.1 attempts per game.
With the context of Lamar Jackson missing four games this season, Henry's low usage is even more baffling. This has been an understandable point of frustration for Ravens fans all season. However, it reached new heights during Thursday's game with the Bengals.
The Ravens need to use Derrick Henry more
Cincinnati offered the Ravens' offense a perfect opportunity to get back on track. They have the 31st-ranked run defense and the dead-last-ranked defense overall.
Listen, the Bengals' defense isn't good in any area, but run defense is the clear weak spot. As the Ravens' pass game struggled to get going, it's inexcusable that they didn't turn to Henry more. Lamar had 38 dropbacks, while Henry had just 10 carries. The Ravens led 7-3 entering the second quarter. Nevertheless, they trailed 12-7 at halftime. What happened in the second quarter, you might ask? 12 dropbacks for Lamar, which resulted in a negative EPA and ZERO rushing attempts for Henry.
the Ravens played the #31 Cincy run defense
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) November 28, 2025
38 Lamar Jackson dropbacks
10 Derrick Henry rushes (2 Keaton)
Baltimore led 7-3 entering the 2nd quarter
in the 2nd quarter:
12 Lamar dropbacks (-0.51 EPA/att)
0 Derrick Henry rushes
Todd Monken lost his mind last night
Frankly, this play-calling from Monken is unacceptable, and it contributed to the end result.
On the night, Henry finished with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown. He was by far the Ravens' most efficient source of offense. Yet, as mentioned earlier, he only received 10 carries. Additionally, Rasheen Ali was on the field for more snaps than Henry. Failing to take advantage of Henry's elite skill is straight-up malpractice from the Ravens' coaching staff.
It's also worth noting that utilizing Henry does lead to winning for the Ravens. In the five highest usage games of Henry's season, the Ravens are 4-1.
While it's disappointing that the Ravens' offense is struggling, luckily, their problems are very solvable, and the easiest solution is to give Henry more carries. Even after this loss, ESPN analytics projects the Ravens will win the AFC North, so not all hope is lost.
Regardless, the Ravens must make some changes and unleash Henry.