Derrick Henry Assigns Blame for Ravens Loss After His Costly Mistake Against Bills

In the 2025 NFL season opener between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills, Derrick Henry‘s fumble late in the fourth quarter proved to be a pivotal moment in the game’s outcome. With 3:06 remaining and the Ravens leading 40–25, Henry lost control of the ball during a run, allowing the Bills to recover and capitalize on the turnover. This miscue shifted the momentum in favor of Buffalo, who subsequently scored and completed a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the Ravens’ lead to 40–33. The Bills then executed a game-winning drive, culminating in a 32-yard field goal as time expired, securing a 41–40 victory.

Following the game, Derrick Henry took full responsibility for the fumble, stating, “I told my teammates after the game to put the loss on me. I own it like a man.” He emphasized the importance of ball security, acknowledging the significance of his mistake in such a critical moment. Despite his individual performance, which included 169 rushing yards and two touchdowns, he was at the centre of the loss.

He added more context, reflecting on the magnitude of the error. “And we’ve been emphasising taking care of the ball since we got back. It’s a big game, it’s a special moment, running back, taking care of the ball. Keeping the high and tight, like a days ago, and they made a play. But I put the loss on me, and if I’d taken care of the ball, probably, it’ll be a different situation. So we just gotta look at the film and correct it.”

For Ravens fans, the sting was painfully familiar. Just eight months ago, in the Divisional Round, it was Mark Andrews who became the face of another costly mistake. With under two minutes left and Baltimore driving for a potential game-winning score, Andrews slipped coming out of his break in the red zone. Lamar Jackson’s pass, intended for him, sailed directly into the hands of Bills safety Micah Hyde. Instead of a shot at the end zone, it became a game-sealing interception.

Now, the deja vu is unavoidable. Andrews’ slip in January and Derrick Henry’s fumble in September tell the same story. The Ravens’ biggest names are coming up short in their biggest moments.

John Harbaugh admits mistake in the loss

It started with a blunder you almost never see. Right before halftime, Josh Allen fired a dart to Dalton Kincaid. Marlon Humphrey shoved him out, the Ravens figured the clock had expired, and they jogged off toward the locker room. Except, the clock hadn’t expired. The referee waved them back, insisting one tick remained. The Bills sent Matt Prater out, drilled a field goal, and instead of 20–10, the Ravens were staring at 20–13. Just seven points, but in a one-point game, you do the math.

Then came the ending. Lamar Jackson did everything he could: 209 passing yards, two touchdowns, his fingerprints all over the fight. Derrick Henry bulldozed for 169 yards and two scores. The Ravens had the lead, had momentum, had the game in their hands. And then? The hesitation.

John Harbaugh admitted afterwards he thought about going for it on a late fourth down, the kind of moment that defines careers. “I think punting is what most people would do there,” he said. Lamar was cramping, couldn’t plead his case. Baltimore punted. Buffalo got the ball back. Josh Allen didn’t blink. Nine plays later, Prater split the uprights as time expired. Game over.

This wasn’t just a loss. It was a collapse stitched together by mental mistakes and second-guessing. A walk to the locker room too early. A punt too safe. The Ravens didn’t get beaten by the Bills. They beat themselves.