In a recent turn of events, NFL fans learned that Derrick Henry's potential move to the Dallas Cowboys was far closer to reality than initially imagined. The star running back, known for his explosive plays and relentless training regimen, has been a familiar face in Dallas during the offseason. However, the financial constraints of the Cowboys proved to be the decisive factor in Henry's eventual signing with the Baltimore Ravens.
Henry inked a two-year, $16 million contract with the Ravens after an illustrious eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans. His debut performance against the Cowboys was nothing short of spectacular, rushing for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns, leading the Ravens to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. This game not only marked Henry's successful transition to a new team but also handed the Cowboys their second consecutive home loss.
The Cowboys' Running Game Woes
The Cowboys' struggles on the ground have been evident from the start of the season. Currently, they have Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn on their depth chart. Despite this, their running game has been underperforming, ranking 25th in rushing during the first two weeks. In Week 3, they managed a mere 51 yards on the ground, showcasing a glaring issue that needs urgent attention.
Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones gave insight into the decision-making process regarding Henry. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones candidly stated. "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."
Financial Constraints
The Cowboys made the strategic decision to wait on extensions for key players such as wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. This decision, while ensuring the retention of critical talent, left them with limited salary cap space. "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," Jones continued. "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."
Impact of Henry’s Absence
Adding Henry to their roster could have provided the Cowboys with the elusive spark they've been missing in their ground game. Meanwhile, Henry’s presence has already enhanced the Ravens' offensive diversity, providing them with a formidable running attack that has proven pivotal in their early-season success.
Addressing the Challenges
For the Cowboys to remain competitive as the season progresses, identifying and rectifying their running game issues is imperative. The team needs to strengthen its offensive line and possibly reassess their running schemes to make the most of their current roster. Limited salary cap space will challenge the Cowboys' ability to make significant acquisitions, putting the onus on the coaching staff to innovate and adapt.
The Cowboys now face the arduous task of improving their performance without the bolstered support that a player of Henry's caliber could have provided. The pressure is mounting on the coaching staff and players alike to step up and find solutions within the constraints they operate.
As the season unfolds, Dallas fans will watch closely, hoping that the team can overcome its early setbacks and build a robust and effective running game. The story of Derrick Henry's near-move to the Cowboys will remain a tantalizing "what if," but the focus now shifts to what the Cowboys can achieve with the resources they do have.