Lamar Jackson compares Derrick Henry to Lightning McQueen after Ravens Wild Card win

The The Baltimore Ravens secured a dominant 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in their AFC Wild Card matchup on Saturday night, largely thanks to electrifying performances Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Henry, in particular, drew a creative comparison from Jackson, who compared the game-changing touchdown run to the speed and talent of Disney Cars star Lightning McQueen.

“You know when Lightning McQueen flies by?” Jackson said with a smile during the postgame press conference. “That’s what Derrick looks like.” When he was racing by and all those guys are just——and look, it looks like a movie, bro. I won’t lie to you. I’d rather watch that than be on the opposite side of the ball.”

Henry’s 44-yard touchdown run was an athletic spectacle that he accomplished blistering 20.6 mphaccording to NFL Next Generation Statistics. The run was part of a historic night for the 31-year-old quarterback, who finished with 186 yards and two touchdowns. His playoff debut with Baltimore tied him with Hall of Famer Terrell Davis for the most playoff games (four) with over 150 yards.

Ravens sweep Steelers, advance to Divisional Round

On the play in question, Henry tore through the Steelers defense with easeleaving more defenders behind. The Ravens’ offensive line paved the way, and Henry’s power and speed sealed the deal. “My boy Minka (Fitzpatrick) … you know it’s all love,” Henry said of the stiff hand he extended to his former Alabama teammate. “(But) on the field, it’s business.”

Jackson and Henry combined for 267 yards and two touchdowns, while Jackson added 82 yards on the ground and 175 yards through the air. Together, they epitomized the Ravens’ balanced and lethal offensive attack. Jackson’s ability to freeze defenders with read-option plays allowed Henry to find running lanes and capitalize on the Steelers’ aggression.

Jackson praised Henry’s consistency and leadership, noting that the Pro Bowl quarterback’s value extends far beyond statistics. “When you have a guy like Derrick, it changes the whole game,” Jackson said. “See what he does there – it’s magic.”

The Steelers had no answer for Baltimore’s dominant ground game, allowing a franchise postseason record 299 yards. The The Steelers’ defensive struggles were compounded by a slow start on offensetrailing 21-0 at halftime. Despite Russell Wilson’s two touchdown passes, the Steelers never recovered from the early deficit.

With the win, the Ravens advanced to the divisional round, where they will face either the Buffalo Bills or the Houston Texans. For Baltimore, the partnership between Jackson and Henry has proven to be everything they hoped for – and more – as they aim for a deep playoff run. Henry’s performance was the spark Baltimore needed, and his Lightning McQueen-like speed and strength showed why he remains one of the NFL’s most dominant players.