Derrick Henry’s fourth-quarter absence continues to be one of the biggest talking points coming out of the Ravens’ 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots.
On Monday, reporters dug into the mechanics of how one of the NFL’s renowned “closers” didn’t get the opportunity on the Ravens’ final two drives.
Henry didn’t see the field after he scored a 2-yard rushing touchdown to put the Ravens up by 11 points with just less than 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Baltimore ran eight offensive plays after that – one drive with a three-point lead and one trailing by four points with just more than two minutes left.
Harbaugh explained that Henry and Keaton Mitchell were designated as the team’s first- and second-down backs, with Henry intended to start two-thirds of the drives in the rotation. Rasheen Ali was the third-down specialist.
Before the second-to-last drive, Harbaugh said Henry and Running Backs Coach Willie Taggart had a conversation on the sideline and determined that Mitchell would start it and Henry would finish it.
“Looking back on it right now, to your point, I would have grabbed it and said, ‘No, put Derrick in the game,'” Harbaugh said. “But that’s not really the way it works in real time. It’s the guys doing the rotation, the coach doing the rotation, and it’s also the plays that are called.”
Harbaugh said the type of play being called also can dictate who starts a series. The second-to-last drive started with an incomplete out-route to Rashod Bateman, who was covered by top Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez. On second down, Mitchell ran to the right end for a 4-yard gain.
“That opening play was more of a Keaton play,” Harbaugh said. “I think that had a lot to do with him starting the series. The idea was to bring Derrick in after a few plays.”
After the Ravens converted on third down to move the chains, Mitchell remained in the game. On first down, he ran right for no gain. The Ravens then came up short on the next two plays and punted.
“I would have at least probably wanted [Henry] in after we got the first down – if I grabbed it, if I’d seen it,” Harbaugh said. “There’s a lot of layers to it. In-game, things are moving fast and that’s the way it goes.
“You look back at it and say, ‘Yeah, there’s logic going the other way for sure. You just put Derrick out there for whatever the play is.’ We all would’ve been happy with that as well.”
Harbaugh said he wasn’t going to burn a timeout to get Henry on the field, but that he’s made it clear before that he wants a particular player on or off the field.
“If I look back on it now, I’d rather have [Henry] out there, absolutely,” Harbaugh said. “I’m not arguing with that at all – on a fundamental level.”
Harbaugh Is Focused on the Present, Not His Future
In his 18th season with the Ravens, Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers (19 seasons) are the NFL’s two longest-tenured current head coaches.
Harbaugh said worrying about his future has never been his approach, and he won’t start with two games left in the season and the Ravens fighting for a playoff spot.
“Coaching at any level is a day-to-day job,” Harbaugh said. “Your job is to do the best job you can today. It’s never been about keeping a job. I try to do the job, not try to keep the job. Anything after today, I’m not thinking about.
“The future is today. The future is the Green Bay Packers (the Ravens’ next opponent). That’s what we’re looking at.”
Harbaugh was asked about the feedback he has gotten from Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti, with whom Harbaugh shares a close relationship.
“Steve has been fantastic, he’s a great leader,” Harbaugh said. “He’s supportive, he’s also challenging. Steve wants to win.
“I’ve been around a lot of competitors in this job, and even in my family. There’s no bigger competitor than Steve Bisciotti. That’s one of the many things I admire about him. He’s been great, he’s been challenging in a great kind of way, and I appreciate that. He helps me to be better. That’s what I’m grateful for.”
Problems With Technique Cost Tyler Loop on His Missed Field Goal
Rookie kicker Tyler Loop made a 36-yard field goal against the Patriots but was short on a 56-yard attempt in the third quarter. Loop has a very strong leg, so seeing the kick fall well short was surprising.
Harbaugh said the problem was with Loop’s technique.
“I watched it this morning with him,” Harbaugh said. “His timing on his start was off. It just messed up his footwork a little bit and he ended up pushing it. He got under it a little bit, pushed it right, got a lot of rotation on it, which is why it came up short. I’m certain he’s capable of making that kick, but it wasn’t a good approach to the ball.”
Harbaugh Discusses Rashod Bateman’s Recent Lack of Targets
In his past three games, Rashod Bateman has caught two passes for 23 yards while being targeted just six times.
Bateman has been dealing with an ankle injury that has sidelined him for three games, but he has just 18 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns this season.
The Ravens’ depth at wide receiver and tight end gives Lamar Jackson plenty of targets to choose from. Bateman did not catch a pass against the Patriots and was targeted just twice, but he impacted the game in other ways.
“Where the ball goes you can’t control as a coach,” Harbaugh said. “Even the play caller can’t control it.
“I’ll say this about Rashod. I was really impressed with the way he played. I think he deserves the ball more. There’s no doubt. He’s running really good routes. He’s blocking really well, which you appreciate. We want the ball to go his way.”