Whenever Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry gets 20 or more carries, the team’s offense is usually right on schedule. Henry recorded 140 rushing yards on 24 carries versus the Los Angeles Chargers, and his performance led to a well-needed week 12 win on Monday Night.

The formula seems obvious, yet Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken has complicated the apparent dynamics of run-first and pass-last. In the Ravens’ week 11 18-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Henry had just 13 carries. Doubling his carries in week 12 increased his offensive production and led to an outpouring of 30 offensive points.

The Ravens’ week 12 win is worthy of celebration, but their 8-4 season start does not truly reflect the team’s potential. Congratulations to John Harbaugh for defeating his little brother Jim Harbaugh on Monday Night Football, but the Ravens have bigger fish to fry in 2024.

With a Steelers loss in week 12, the Ravens still have a shot at the AFC North. However, to regain ground. They must continue prioritizing Henry for the rest of the season. If the playoffs started today, they’d be No. 5 in the AFC standings.