When Derrick Henry scored a 2-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter on Sunday, M&T Bank Stadium erupted with excitement. This touchdown gave the Ravens a solid two-score lead, making it seem like victory was within reach.
All night, the New England Patriots struggled to contain Henry. His powerful runs were a big part of the game. But after that touchdown, something unexpected happened: Henry didn’t take the field again during the Ravens’ next drive, where they needed to respond to a Patriots touchdown.
Instead of Henry, the Ravens relied on Keaton Mitchell for the entire drive. This decision sparked questions after the Ravens’ 28-24 loss. Many fans and analysts wondered why Henry, who had been so effective, was sidelined when his team needed him most.
Head Coach John Harbaugh expressed his thoughts after the game. “I didn’t like the drive at all,” he said. “In hindsight, I wish I’d had Derrick starting that drive. But we had a rotation plan, and Derrick was ready for Keaton to start.”
With just under nine minutes remaining and a three-point lead, the Ravens gave Mitchell a couple of chances. Unfortunately, he managed only four yards on his first carry and was stopped on the next. On that night, Henry was the one who could break through, carrying the ball 18 times for 128 yards and two touchdowns. In contrast, Mitchell only gained 13 yards on nine attempts.
Despite the situation, Henry wasn’t too surprised by his absence on that critical drive. “We’ve been rotating for a while now,” he noted. “Keaton has been doing great, and we want to get everyone their opportunities. It’s a team effort.”
The Ravens’ strategy of rotating running backs has sparked discussions among fans and sports analysts on social media. Some believe that sticking with a star player like Henry during high-pressure moments is crucial. Others argue that having fresh legs can make a difference as the game progresses.
According to a recent survey, over 65% of football fans prefer teams to utilize a single star player during clutch situations, while 35% support a more balanced rotation. This divide highlights the ongoing debate about optimal gameplay strategies in the NFL.
As the season unfolds, the Ravens will have to evaluate their approach. Balancing the strengths of players like Henry and Mitchell could be key in their pursuit of success. With expert opinions weighing in and fans voicing their thoughts online, this dynamic will continue to be a focal point in Ravens discussions.
For more insights on NFL strategies and player management, check out this article from [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nfl/).
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