BALTIMORE — There had been instances Saturday when Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson did not really feel like he was enjoying in an AFC wild-card sport. When watching operating again Derrick Henry tear by means of the Pittsburgh Steelers protection, Jackson had flashbacks to a sure film.
“Do you watch the film ‘Cars’? When Lightning McQueen was simply flying flashing previous, that is how Derrick seems to be,” Jackson mentioned. “He was operating previous all these guys. It simply appeared like a film, bro. I’d somewhat be watching it than being on the opposite facet of the ball. I do know that.”
Never letting off the gasoline pedal, Henry set a Ravens postseason file with 186 yards speeding and two touchdowns as Baltimore rolled to a 28-14 win over the Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Frustrating Pittsburgh with stiff arms and sprints up the center of the protection, Henry recorded his fourth postseason sport with 150 or extra yards speeding, which ties him with Terrell Davis for probably the most in NFL playoff historical past.
The Ravens advance to the divisional spherical subsequent weekend, when they’ll play on the Buffalo Bills or dwelling in opposition to the Houston Texans. In the meantime, Baltimore will suppose again to Henry’s 44-yard landing run within the third quarter and smile.
“I believed it was enjoyable watching Lamar run, however watching Derrick Henry run for a landing, I feel that may take the cake,” Ravens offensive sort out Ronnie Stanley mentioned. “Maybe as a result of he is like 6-foot-5 operating like a gazelle.”
Jackson and the NFL’s No. 1 offense had been with out Pro Bowl huge receiver Zay Flowers, who was sidelined with a knee damage. It did not matter as a result of the Ravens ran the ball on 50 of 72 performs. On an 85-yard drive within the second quarter, Baltimore ran the ball on all 13 performs, together with Henry’s 8-yard landing run.
Along with Jackson’s 81 yards speeding, the Ravens totaled 299 yards on the bottom, which established a brand new franchise file. This was probably the most speeding yards in a playoff sport by any group because the 2012 San Francisco 49ers, who had 323 in a divisional spherical win.
“We’re not going to get too [far] forward of ourselves and go off the partitions about how nice we’re,” Henry mentioned. “We’re going to remain level-headed, take pleasure in this one, watch the movie, see the place we will get higher at after which transfer onto the subsequent one.”
Henry’s first long term got here on a play that offensive coordinator Todd Monken simply added in Thursday’s observe. Lining up within the wildcat formation, Henry took the direct snap and ran for 34 yards to arrange the primary landing of the sport.
Then, within the third quarter, Henry broke by means of the intestine of the Steelers protection for a 44-yard scoring run, which was the longest landing run of his postseason profession. Henry reached a high velocity of 20.6 miles per hour, which was the second time he surpassed 20 mph on a landing run this season, based on NFL Next Gen Stats.
“Derrick is only a workhorse. That man is simply that man,” Jackson mentioned. “I can simply hand the ball off, [and he gets] 10 yards, 20 yards, 30 yards and I’m simply chilling.”
When Jackson wasn’t handing the ball off to Henry, he was operating it himself. His 15 carries had been his second-most of the season and led to him getting kneed within the again. In between collection, Jackson had a warmth pack on his again whereas on the sideline.
“I’m good,” Jackson mentioned. “It actually did not have an effect on me in any respect, to be trustworthy with you. Just a little bit nag, however I’m good. Nothing to fret about.”
The Ravens will both face the Bills or the Texans, each of whom they beat by a mixed rating of 66-12 in the course of the common season. If the Bills beat the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Baltimore will play at Buffalo subsequent weekend. If the Bills get upset at dwelling, the Ravens will host to the Texans.
With the best way Henry and Jackson are operating the ball, the Ravens are assured about whomever they play subsequent.
“Those guys [are] main the best way, so we’re simply getting began,” Ravens center linebacker Roquan Smith mentioned. “This is the appetizer to what we have now on the menu.”
