In what could have been a significant shift in the NFL landscape, Derrick Henry's move to the Dallas Cowboys was much closer to materializing than initially perceived. The star running back, who currently trains in Dallas during the offseason, ultimately signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens after a successful eight-year stint with the Tennessee Titans.
Henry wasted no time proving his value to the Ravens during his debut against the Cowboys, rushing for an impressive 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns in Baltimore's narrow 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. This performance contributed to the Cowboys' second consecutive home loss and served as a stark reminder of what could have been for Dallas fans.
The Cowboys' roster currently includes running backs Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn. However, the team’s rushing game has been notably lackluster this season. Ranking 25th in rushing, Dallas managed a mere 51 yards on the ground in their Week 3 matchup. This underperformance has led to increased scrutiny and calls for action.
The Cowboys have opted to delay contract extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott, resulting in limited salary cap space. The team's financial constraints left them unable to secure a deal with Henry, a point underscored by the Cowboys' owner, Jerry Jones. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones stated plainly. Elaborating further, he quipped, "I don't know. Why can't you buy a mansion when you live in a different kind of house? We couldn't afford it. We can't make that all fit. That's as simple as that."
Jones was quick to assert that the Cowboys' running game issues are more complex than the absence of a single player. "I wouldn't direct the running game and lack thereof or where we've been over the last three games to any one running back at all, because it takes some offensive linemen to blow them out of there; it takes a passing game to keep them honest in the running game. It takes a lot of things to make that work. This wouldn't be solved with just jumping over there and getting [Hall of Famer] Jimmy Brown," he explained.
Meanwhile, Henry’s addition has fortified the Ravens' ground game. His performance against Dallas exemplified his capacity to impact games significantly, complementing Baltimore's offensive strategy. As the season progresses, the Cowboys are tasked with finding solutions to their running game woes to remain competitive in an increasingly tough division.
The pressure is on Dallas to make adjustments and perhaps look towards leveraging their current assets more effectively. With a running back depth chart lacking the punch needed to consistently support the team, the Cowboys’ coaching staff faces a critical juncture in addressing these gaps.
Henry's move to the Ravens and his debutting impact against his potential suitors illustrate the fine margins that often define NFL transactions and the ripple effects they can have on a franchise's fortunes. For the Cowboys, the unwelcome reality is clear: improving their ground game is imperative. The clock is ticking, and their response to these challenges could define their season.