Derrick Henry’s absence in the fourth quarter of the Ravens 28-24 loss to New England Patriots has been one of the most talked about points.

Reporters dug deep into Monday’s mechanics to understand why one of the NFL’s most renowned “closers” didn’t have the chance on the Ravens’ final two drives.

Henry did not see the field following his 2-yard rushing touchdown that gave the Ravens an 11-point lead with less than 13 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Baltimore then ran eight offensive plays – one with a lead of three points and another with four points behind with less than two minutes remaining.

Harbaugh said that Henry and Keaton Mitchel were designated as the first- and second down backs for the team, and Henry was intended to start the two-thirds drives in the rotation. Rasheen Ali is the team’s third-down specialist.

Harbaugh revealed that Henry and Runningbacks Coach Willie Taggart met on the sidelines and decided that Mitchell would begin the drive and Henry would end it.

Harbaugh stated, “Looking at it now, and to your point of view, I would have grabbed the ball and said, “No, don’t put Derrick into the game.” But that’s not how it really works in real-time. The rotation is done by the players, the coach, and the calls are made.

Harbaugh added that the type of play called can also determine who starts a set. Rashod Bateman was covered by Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez on the second-to-last play. Mitchell gained 4 yards on second down by running to the right.

Harbaugh stated that “that opening play was more like a Keaton-type play.” “I believe that was a big part of him starting the series.” Derrick was supposed to be brought in after a couple of plays.

Mitchell was still in the game after the Ravens moved the chains on the third down. Mitchell ran right on the first down for no gain. The Ravens were unable to convert on their next two plays, and punted.

Harbaugh stated, “I would at least have wanted [Henry] to come in after we had the first down — if I had grabbed it or if I saw it.” There are many layers to this. Things move fast in-game and that’s just the way things go.

You look back and you say: “Yeah there is logic that goes the other direction for sure.” You put Derrick on the field for whatever play it is. “We all would have been happy to see that too.”

Harbaugh stated that he wouldn’t burn a timeout in order to get Henry onto the field. He said that he has made it known before whether he wanted a certain player on or off of the field.

Harbaugh stated, “If I think back, I would have preferred to have [Henry] there. “I don’t disagree with you at all, on a basic level.”