There’s a new king in Green Bay.
The Baltimore Ravens ran past the Packers 41-24 in a Week 17 Saturday clash exclusively on Peacock, with Derrick “King” Henry running the show.
Both teams had playoff implications on the line (and still do), but entered the game without their star QB1s. Jordan Love missed out due to a concussion, while Lamar Jackson had a back injury.
In Love’s place, youngster Malik Willis stepped in. For Jackson, it was veteran Tyler Huntley. Huntley didn’t have to do much given Henry’s commanding display.
The win moves Baltimore to 8-8, with its AFC North title — and playoff — hopes still alive for now. Green Bay is 9-6-1, which sees the Chicago Bears officially claiming the NFC North at 11-4.
Let’s analyze the game further with takeaways:
Derrick Henry gets the rock
Last week, John Harbaugh drew criticism over his late-game utilization of Henry in a tough home loss to the New England Patriots. It seems Harbaugh learned his lesson.
Henry shouldered the offensive burden in this one with no Jackson, logging 36 carries for 216 yards and four rushing touchdowns. His average was six yards per run.
The Packers, who are also now without Micah Parsons, just had no answer throughout, even when they knew what was coming. Tyler Huntley only threw for 107 yards on 16 of 20 completions, taking the short route each time. When Henry has it going, no one else should touch the ball.
Malik Willis shows promise
Willis’ tenure in Tennessee may have been short-lived, but he’s still 26. Even if he doesn’t make it as a starter somewhere, he proved he can be a capable high-level QB2.
Without Love in an important game, Willis stepped up with 288 passing yards and a touchdown on 18 of 21 completions. He also ran for 60 yards on nine carries and two scores, leading Green Bay’s rushing department with Josh Jacobs only getting four carries for three yards.
During the brief time Willis had to be evaluated for an upper arm issue in the fourth, his backup, Clayton Tune, threw a pick shortly after. It essentially sealed the game despite decent time left. Willis is a free agent after this season, and teams may be more willing to make a move based on this showing.
Two divisions are coming to fruition
The NFC North is now settled for the season, as Chicago has claimed the division. NFC seeding is still in play, though, as the Bears can go as high as No. 1, while the Packers currently are No. 7. A playoff matchup isn’t out of the equation, though Green Bay’s contending outlook is no longer as positive.
On the flip side, Baltimore isn’t out of the AFC North race just yet. But by Sunday, it could be. The Ravens need a favor from 3-12 divisional rivals Cleveland to stun the 9-7 Pittsburgh Steelers at home. If so, Pittsburgh would host Baltimore in a winner-take-all Week 18 showdown for the division and last AFC playoff spot.
Over to you, Aaron Rodgers.
Here are five things to know about Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
Great Job Sanjesh Singh & the Team @ NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth for sharing this story.
