Derrick Henry's Late Fumble Fuels Buffalo Bills' Stunning Fourth‑Quarter Rally

Game Overview

The Baltimore Ravens entered the September 7, 2025 matchup against the Buffalo Bills with a 14‑3 lead late in the fourth quarter. Derrick Henry, the league’s premier power back, had already logged 112 rushing yards and a crucial first‑down conversion that seemed to seal the win. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s offense, led by a balanced attack of passing and short runs, was struggling to gain traction on a defensive‑heavy Bills squad.

At the 3:06 mark, the Ravens were deep in their own territory, trying to run out the clock. Henry took a handoff and battled past a wall of defenders before being met by Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Oliver’s relentless push forced a clean strip, sending the ball skidding across the turf. Cornerback Christian Benford lunged for the loose ball but was unable to secure it, allowing a second Bills defender to recover the fumble at the Ravens’ 34‑yard line.

The turnover instantly flipped field position. With just over three minutes remaining, Buffalo had a short field and a chance to steal the game. The Bills capitalized, moving the ball with a quick three‑play sequence that culminated in a touchdown pass, cutting the Ravens’ lead to a single point.

Impact of the Turnover

The fumble’s timing could not have been worse for Baltimore. Until that moment, the Ravens had controlled time of possession, dominated the line of scrimmage, and forced three turnovers of their own. The lost ball not only erased their lead but also energized the Bills’ sideline. Coach Sean McDermott’s unit executed a high‑tempo offense, mixing short passes to tight end Dawson Knox with a decisive run by quarterback Josh Allen on a designed quarterback draw.

• In the ensuing drive, Buffalo converted two crucial third‑down plays, one a 12‑yard reception by Stefon Diggs that put the ball inside the red zone.
• The Bills’ final touchdown came on a 6‑yard pass to tight end Tyler Conklin with 45 seconds left, giving Buffalo a 21‑20 lead.
• Ravens’ attempts to reclaim the lead fell short as Henry’s second carry was tackled inside the 20‑yard line, and an incomplete pass on fourth down sealed the loss.

Beyond the scoreboard, the fumble highlighted the razor‑thin margin between victory and defeat in the NFL. Oliver’s strip showcased why he’s regarded as one of the league’s elite interior linemen—combining strength, technique, and relentless pursuit. Henry’s ball‑security lapse, rare in his career, will likely be dissected by analysts looking at how a single misstep can overturn a game plan.

For the Ravens, the loss serves as a harsh reminder that early season confidence must be paired with disciplined execution. The team now faces a quick turnaround to address the mental fallout and tighten up its late‑game procedures. Meanwhile, the Bills have earned a morale‑boosting win that could set the tone for a competitive season, proving that they can capitalize on opponent errors and finish games strongly.