In a move that nearly altered the landscape of the NFL, Derrick Henry was on the brink of joining the Dallas Cowboys before ultimately signing a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. The star running back, who spends his offseason training in Dallas, would have brought his formidable lineup of skills to the Cowboys, but financial constraints hindered the potential acquisition.
The Cowboys' owner, Jerry Jones, shed light on the situation, stating, "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry." He further elaborated, "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."
Henry's Impact on the Ravens
Henry, who spent the first eight years of his career with the Tennessee Titans, has already begun to make his mark with the Ravens. His debut performance against the Cowboys was nothing short of spectacular, rushing for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns in Baltimore's 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. A loss that marked the Cowboys' second consecutive defeat at home.
Henry’s addition to the Ravens provides them with a robust running game, a strategic element that could prove crucial as the season progresses. His presence is expected to revitalize the team's offense, making them a formidable opponent for any team preparing to face them.
Cowboys' Running Game Woes
The Cowboys, on the other hand, have struggled with their running game early in the season. With a depth chart featuring Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, the team ranked a disappointing 25th in rushing during the first two weeks. Their performance hit a low point in Week 3, managing just 51 yards on the ground.
Addressing the issue, Jerry Jones explained, "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."
The Cowboys have also decided to delay extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott, a decision that has left them with limited salary cap space. This financial pinch has forced the team to make some difficult choices, including their inability to secure a high-caliber player like Henry.
Future Challenges for the Cowboys
As the season advances, the Cowboys will need to find effective ways to address their running game issues if they hope to remain competitive. The current roster will have to step up and perform, while the coaching staff might need to explore new strategies to enhance their ground game. The team's ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will be pivotal in determining their success this season.
The near-miss acquisition of Derrick Henry underscores the complex interplay of talent, strategy, and financial planning that NFL teams must navigate. For the Ravens, it means bolstering their offensive arsenal; for the Cowboys, it highlights areas requiring critical improvement. As both teams move forward, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how these dynamics unfold on the field.