The Baltimore Ravens’ Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions has left plenty of storylines to dissect, but perhaps none bigger than Derrick Henry’s growing fumbling issue.
The star running back, who joined Baltimore in 2024, has now put the ball on the ground three times in as many games this season. Two fumbles came late in games, directly shifting momentum toward the opposition.
What Did LeSean McCoy Say About Derrick Henry’s Fumbles?
Speaking on “Speak Easy” following the game, former NFL running back LeSean McCoy wasn’t afraid to voice his concerns. Drawing on his own history, McCoy compared Henry’s predicament to what may have occurred if he had suffered with fumbles under Andy Reid, the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.
“If I fumble the ball three times in a row… I think he would bench me,” McCoy said. “I’m not saying the Ravens are gonna bench Derrick Henry, because it’s weird with how great he is. But, you might get less carries. I can see Andy [Reid] doing this, when it gets to crunch time, let me ease him out. Lots of his fumbles are in crunch time.”
.@CutonDime25 says it might be time to decrease Derrick Henry’s carries 👀
Grab a chair, a drink, and step into the Speakeasy with us ➡️ https://t.co/NLOl4dyWJA pic.twitter.com/aVgAUYK8Tz
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) September 23, 2025
McCoy’s remarks highlight Baltimore’s mounting predicament. One may argue that Henry remains one of the most physically powerful running backs in football, able to overwhelm opponents and win games. However, the Ravens are in a tough spot because of his recent tendency to make mistakes at crucial times.
What makes this slump more surprising is Henry’s past consistency. Henry fumbled three times in his first season with Baltimore in 2024 across 17 regular-season games. This year, however, the trend has flipped in the worst way possible: three fumbles in three games, two of which directly hurt Baltimore’s chances late in contests.
Still Early in Season, But Time Is Precious for Baltimore
In times of need, that inconsistency is problematic for a club that wants to win the Super Bowl. Even while McCoy’s proposal of fewer carries might seem excessive considering Henry’s superstar status, it’s undeniable that the errors are becoming more frequent.
Coaches, teammates and fans alike can’t help but wonder if something has changed in Henry’s approach, or if it’s simply early-season misfortune. There is, nevertheless, cause for hope. The foundation of Henry’s career has been resilience, as he has recovered from failures, injuries, and defenses aimed at stopping him. If anyone can change direction, it’s him. The bright side for Baltimore is that these errors are occurring now rather than in December or January, when each possession may win or lose a season.
For now, the Ravens can only hope Henry finds his footing again. Because if the fumbles continue, McCoy’s bold prediction of a reduced role may no longer sound so far-fetched.
