For the second time in three weeks, the Baltimore Ravens had a blockbuster encounter against another potential Super Bowl contender and came away on the losing side. However, what made the coincidence hurt even more was the way that the game came crumbling down for the Ravens. Against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, it was a Derrick Henry fumble that ignited a 15-point comeback win for Buffalo in less than four minutes.
This time around, the Detroit Lions were going score for score with Baltimore, leading to a 28-24 score with less than nine minutes left in the game. But once again, a lost fumble by Henry set up the Lions in perfect field position and ultimately gave them the victory. After the game, head coach John Harbaugh spoke about the turnovers that dropped his team to 1-2.
How Did Derrick Henry’s Fumbles Hurt the Ravens?
This time around, it was Aidan Hutchinson who punched the ball out from Henry’s arm on the first play of the drive. It gave Detroit possession at the 16-yard line, and they added a field goal to their lead.
For one of the most prolific running backs in NFL history, the 2025 season has been littered with mistakes. Recording fumbles in each of the last three games, it ties the longest such streak in his career, with the previous time coming in 2022.
Moreover, the two lost fumbles are already just one shy of the worst mark of his career, which also came in the 2022 season. It has left an otherwise dominant Ravens squad with a 1-2 record, which could reasonably become 1-3 with the Kansas City Chiefs looming on the horizon.
After the game, Harbaugh was asked about the turnovers from the five-time Pro Bowler becoming a recurring problem. He responded, “We’ve gotta get it fixed.” However, he didn’t blame Henry squarely for this fumble.
John Harbaugh on Derrick Henry’s fumble in 4Q: “It’s not going to be the norm.” pic.twitter.com/DMyISLClcn
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 23, 2025
“That was a blind shot there for him to hit the ball in that position from the defender. Got a good look at the ball as it was kind of a retrace cutback play. So, you know, the perfect storm.” Continuing, he emphasized the importance of protecting the ball.
The Ravens fan base, too, was less than thrilled with their superstar running back as his two fourth-quarter turnovers directly affected the outcome for their franchise. For a player as celebrated as Henry, it seems like a problem that he will get under control.
However, with his body showing considerable wear and tear as he nears 32, the increased turnover problem might not go away easily.
