Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks on after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

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Lamar Jackson dubs Derrick Henry “Lightning McQueen” after historic Ravens playoff win

Lamar calls Henry NFL's Lightning McQueen after playoff win

The Baltimore Ravens relied on their ground game to secure a decisive 28–14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry dominated the field, combining for 267 rushing yards and two touchdowns, leaving the Steelers’ defense scrambling all night.

Lamar Jackson calls Derrick Henry “Lightning McQueen”

After the game, Lamar Jackson had a unique take on Derrick Henry’s standout performance. Speaking to reporters, Jackson drew a playful comparison between Henry and the animated racecar Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars.

“You watched the movie Cars?” Jackson asked. “You know when Lightning McQueen is flying, flashing past? That’s how Derrick looked. When he was running past all them guys, it looked like a movie, bro. I’d rather be watching it than be on the opposite side of the ball.”

Lamar Jackson said watching Derrick Henry is like watching the movie “Cars” and likened Henry to Lightning McQueen pic.twitter.com/QO7Xagn9St
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 12, 2025

The moment Jackson referred to was Henry’s electrifying 44-yard touchdown run. Breaking through the Steelers’ defense, Henry turned on the afterburners, outrunning six defenders at a speed clocked over 20 mph. It was a performance that mirrored the unstoppable energy of a Piston Cup champion.

Ravens’ unstoppable duo leads the charge

Henry and Jackson combined for 41 carries, contributing 267 of the Ravens’ total offensive yards. Henry alone accounted for 186 yards and two touchdowns, while Jackson added 81 rushing yards, keeping the Steelers’ defense guessing throughout the game.

This dynamic performance exemplified why Baltimore brought Henry into their roster. The former Titan showcased his ability to dominate in high-stakes moments, while Jackson proved why he remains one of the league’s most versatile quarterbacks.

Playoff records and Ravens’ Super Bowl aspirations

The Ravens’ 267 rushing yards marked the second-most by a quarterback-running back duo in NFL playoff history, trailing only Colin Kaepernick and Frank Gore’s 2012 performance for the 49ers. For Jackson, the game was a milestone. His 603 rushing yards in seven playoff games now stand as the most by a quarterback in postseason history, surpassing Steve Young’s 597 yards in 22 games.

MR. DERRICK HENRY!!!!!!!!!!

Tune in on Prime!! pic.twitter.com/YDZs4YK3wB
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 12, 2025

Despite the Ravens’ stellar performance, tougher tests lie ahead. Facing potential matchups against the Texans, Bills, or Chiefs in Kansas City, the road to the Super Bowl won’t be easy. But after dismantling the Steelers, Baltimore looks poised to make a deep playoff run.

As Jackson chases his first Super Bowl ring, Derrick Henry’s addition to the roster might be the missing piece in realizing that dream. With a ground attack this dominant, the Ravens are a team no one wants to face.

Image: Imagn images

Derrick Henry

Lamar Jackson

Natasha Bose

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