Derrick Henry joined the Baltimore Ravens this season with one clear mission: to bring a bruising, physical edge to an already potent offense... and to win a Super Bowl.
So far, he’s delivered. The former Titans star has racked up 1120 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 10 games, averaging a very impressive 6.1 yards per carry. Alongside Lamar Jackson’s dynamic playmaking and overall otherworldly electric play, Henry has added a new layer to Baltimore’s ground game, keeping opposing defenses on their heels.
Last week against Cincinnati, Henry didn’t have his biggest statistical day, but his presence was critical. His hard-nosed runs helped soften the Bengals’ defense, setting up Jackson’s electrifying fourth-quarter comeback.
Now, as the Ravens prepare for a critical AFC North matchup against the Steelers, Henry is looking to break another barrier in his illustrious career.
Derrick Henry has never beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers
For all of Derrick Henry’s dominance over the years, Pittsburgh has been a stubborn hurdle he’s yet to clear. In three career games against the Steelers, Henry’s teams have gone 0-3. His production hasn’t been terrible, but it’s far from the dominance fans are used to seeing from the 6’3”, 247-pound back.
Here’s a look at Henry’s career performances against Pittsburgh:
Rushes | Rushing yards | TDs | Final score W/L |
|---|---|---|---|
7 | 32 | 0 | 40-17 (loss) |
20 | 75 | 1 | 27-24 (loss) |
17 | 75 | 1 | 20-16 (loss) |
Across these three games, Henry has totaled 44 carries for 182 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Solid numbers, but nothing resembling the game-breaking performances he’s known for.
Part of the issue has been Pittsburgh’s disciplined, physical defense, which seems built to contain players like Henry. Whether it’s Cam Heyward clogging up the middle or T.J. Watt crashing off the edge, the Steelers have consistently made life difficult for Henry.
This Sunday, however, feels different. For the first time in his career, Henry isn’t the sole focal point of an offense. Defenses can’t stack the box against him because they also have to account for Lamar Jackson, who just threw for four touchdowns last week. The combination of Jackson’s dual-threat ability and Baltimore’s creative schemes could give Henry the space he’s lacked in previous matchups.
Beating the Steelers won’t be easy, they’re leading the AFC North for a reason, but with Henry running behind a motivated Ravens offensive line and paired with a quarterback who can stress defenses in every way imaginable, this might just be his best shot at finally getting that long-elusive win over Pittsburgh.