Ravens fans won't like John Harbaugh's explanation for Derrick Henry's late-game absence

"I don't like the drive at all," the coach said postgame. "Looking back, would I rather have Derrick starting the drive? Yes. But Derrick was kind of ready for Keaton to start that drive. And then he was planning on coming in next. So, they were working that rotation."

Henry, who piled up 128 yards and two TDs on 18 carries against New England, defended Harbaugh for his decision. 

"We've been doing a rotation for I don't know how many weeks," Henry told the media. "Keaton has been doing a great job in the run game, and we are both in there doing the best we can. We have a lot of good players, so everybody has to get their touches and get opportunities, and Keaton is deserving of it."

Not letting Derrick Henry play in the fourth quarter was still a mistake

Sprinkling Mitchell, who is averaging a stellar 6.4 yards per carry (308 yards in 11 games), into the run game has helped power Baltimore's ground attack and kept Henry fresh. The RB, who turns 32 on Jan. 4, ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (1,253). Baltimore, meanwhile, has averaged 147.9 rushing yards per game, the third-best mark in the league after 16 weeks. 

But come on, Harbaugh. Give Henry the ball late in the fourth quarter, especially when quarterback Lamar Jackson is unavailable. Backup QB Tyler Huntley replaced Jackson after he exited with a back injury. Not to mention, Mitchell struggled against the Patriots, logging 13 yards on nine carries. 

Not playing Henry on the final two drives against New England may rank among Harbaugh's worst decisions this season. It has potentially put Baltimore (7-8) one step closer to missing the playoffs.