“There weren’t enough chances” should never be a head coach’s response when asked about one of the NFL’s most prolific running backs receiving just ten carries a game. However, that was John Harbaugh’s response when asked about Derrick Henry playing fewer snaps than Rasheen Ali in the 32-14 loss to Cincinnati in Week 13.
Through three quarters on Thanksgiving night, Henry had 10 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown, plus one catch for 44 yards. Henry only had two more catches for three yards the rest of the way as Cincinnati held the football for another 17 minutes (38:46-21:14).
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Asked about the lack of opportunities on Monday, Harbaugh admitted that phasing out Henry is not conducive to winning football.
“These are not the numbers we want at all,” Harbaugh said. Baltimore Sun.
“We didn’t have any plays in the second quarter to even have a chance to run the ball,” Harbaugh said.
There’s enough blame on Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken to absorb. At one point after scoring a touchdown on their first possession, the CrowsThe offense committed a fumble, followed by a punt, another fumble, another punt, another fumble, and a final punt against the NFL’s 32nd-ranked defense.
Overall, Baltimore had 16 first downs, was 3-10 on third downs, 1-2 in the RedZone, and possessed the ball roughly 20 fewer minutes.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: John Harbaugh explains Derrick Henry’s 10 rushing attempts in Week 13