December 17, 2023: It was almost like watching a movie in slow motion. At one moment, the Baltimore Ravens were leading the mistake-prone Jacksonville Jaguars 17-7 during their Week 14 2023 clash, certainly poised to win. Then, in the very next instant, cameras captured players pacing down the field with both hands on their helmets in disbelief. Head coach John Harbaugh’s side profile filled the screen—his expression grim, hoping things turned out better than they looked. “You can see, as he came down, his leg buckled,” the commentators pointed out, as Keaton Mitchell lay on the sidelines clutching his knee, and looking smaller than his 5-foot-8 frame would usually allow.

To the naked eye, it was a usual dive and pull move by Jaguars’ safety Andrew Wingard to stop the “outstanding runner” that Mitchell was. However, it was soon clear how that the move cost the RB not just his debut, but also the Ravens’ chance of a greater playoff push—especially after the 23-year-old averaged a whopping 8.4 yards per carry on 47 runs in his rookie year (league-highest among all ball carriers with at least a dozen attempts), along with two rushing touchdowns. So, with an ACL tear and surgery a week later, all the injured player could do was bide his time.

And, as the 2025 season looms near, he’s ready. “I feel like I’m back better than when I first got here. It’s going to be a movie for sure,” the young player promised. Will the road be that easy with multiple other names in the fray? Most likely not, as per The Athletic‘s Jeff Zrebiec’s July 25 tweet. Sharing offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s excitement about Mitchell, albeit with a twist, the journalist shared:

“Monken said it’s been great to have a healthy Keaton Mitchell back. He’s going to have to fight to get touches. Let’s just say it how he is. Two years ago, we didn’t have Derrick (Henry).” That quote reveals Baltimore’s luxury problem perfectly. Derrick Henry commands respect as the primary back. His bruising style perfectly complements Lamar Jackson’s dynamic rushing ability. But, if so, what happens of the returning RB? Well, the competition for No. 2 just became a tad more fiercer.

There’s no denying that Justin Hill, the older veteran, is definitely a name to be considered. At 27, he’s been proven as durable despite past injuries. His pass-blocking provides crucial protection for Jackson on third downs, and screen passes become routine completions with him in the mix. But while Hill offers steadiness, Keaton Mitchell brings an explosiveness that’s harder to match. His quick feet shine in misdirection schemes that throw off defensive alignments, turning stretch runs and outside zone plays into home run threats. In simple words: Both backs possess elusive frames suited to Monken’s system.

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso has a clear favorite, though. “Veteran Justice Hill stands in Mitchell’s way as the primary backup to Henry. I expect Mitchell to emerge as the more consistent big-play option when Henry takes his rare breathers,” he wrote barely two weeks ago. As for Keaton Mitchell, “Entering his third season but first full offseason, Mitchell was one of the standouts of the Ravens’ first week of organized team activities, showing improved burst and his trademark speed to turn the corner of a defense,” wrote BaltimoreRavens.com’s Ryan Mink.

Monken now faces the enviable task of dividing touches between two explosive backs who could start elsewhere. And when John Harbaugh’s running back rotation comes under scrutiny, not even Derrick Henry can escape the shadows of missed chances.

Haunted by perfection: Derrick Henry can’t escape his playoff nightmare

Champions remember their failures more than their victories. Derrick Henry embodies this cruel truth perfectly. The Ravens superstar delivered a career-defining season in Baltimore, rushing for 1,921 yards with a career-high 5.9 yards per carry and 16 touchdowns. Every statistical measure screamed success. Yet, one moment from the Buffalo Bills clash continues to torment him months later. When NFL Network’s Bridget Condon and Brian Baldinger asked about the defeat, Henry’s answer revealed raw vulnerability.

“I still think about the pass I dropped early in that game,” Henry admitted. The pain cuts deeper than any hit he’s absorbed. Henry’s confession about the mental replay shows championship-level accountability. “All the time” means sleepless nights. “Still makes me cringe” means the wound stays fresh despite Baltimore scoring on that same possession anyway.

The contrast between regular-season dominance and playoff heartbreak defines elite athletes. While Henry’s 31-year-old body delivered top-notch performances all season long, that one night be probably serve as fuel in the upcoming season. What do you think?