The goal was clear for the Patriots going into their Week 16 primetime matchup against the Ravens, after a masterclass in second-half collapses against the Bills dominated headlines in the days leading up to Sunday night.
Not only did they need and want a bounce-back game against a very good opponent, but a win would also clinch their first playoff berth since 2021, which added more motivation to their fourth-quarter comeback, highlighted by an impressive performance from Drake Maye.
But it wasn't just the offense that needed to lock down and show up late in the game; the defense also needed to finally stop the Ravens from marching down the field, particularly RB Derrick Henry, who recorded 18 carries for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
Fortunately, for some odd reason, Henry was kept off the field for one of the Ravens' final drives, one that they could have used another score to get them back in the game. And when reporters questioned head coach John Harbaugh about his decision-making process, he didn't exactly make things any better.
John Harbaugh's head-scratching decision made it easier for the Patriots to lock up the win
Considering how dominant Henry has been throughout his career and on Sunday night, it makes little to no sense for Harbaugh to sideline him when the Ravens fell behind. But that's what he did, and he attempted to explain that logic, only to make it more confusing to those watching the game.
Luckily for the Patriots and their defense, it was a decision they can celebrate, as Henry could have made sure they lost in Baltimore instead.
John Harbaugh attempts to answer for why Derrick Henry was sidelined on the second-to-last drive of the game.
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) December 22, 2025
via @Ravens pic.twitter.com/XrOTu1p0A3
Maybe the proper way to thank him would be to send him an early Christmas card or something, because Henry being MIA might have helped the Patriots clinch a playoff berth.
No matter what it was, keeping the veteran off the field made the job a bit easier for New England's defense, which struggled to shut Henry down all night. Had he been available, it could have gotten out of hand fast, and we'd be talking about their first road loss, rather than celebrating a big-time victory.
Luckily for Patriots fans, we have at least one more day to be happy about this latest win before shifting the focus to the Jets next Sunday, and keep the ultimate goal of winning the division alive.