The Dallas Cowboys were closer to acquiring Derrick Henry than many might have expected. The star running back, who trains in Dallas during the offseason, was within reach of the Cowboys before financial constraints ultimately led him to sign a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. This move came after Henry spent the first eight years of his illustrious career with the Tennessee Titans.
The impact of Henry's decision was felt immediately. In his debut performance against the Cowboys, he rushed for a staggering 151 yards and scored two touchdowns, leading the Ravens to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. For the Cowboys, this game marked their second consecutive home loss and highlighted the struggles they've been facing in their running game.
Struggles in the Rushing Game
Currently, the Cowboys' depth chart at running back includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn. Despite having these players, the team has struggled mightily in the running game. Ranking 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season, the Cowboys managed to gain just 51 yards on the ground in Week 3.
Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, addressed the situation with candor. "We couldn't afford Derrick Henry," Jones admitted. He elaborated further by saying, "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 also quick to dispel the notion that a single running back could solve the team's rushing woes. "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 stated.
Financial Constraints
One of the underlying issues is the team’s limited salary cap space, largely influenced by decisions to delay extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. These financial strategies have put the Cowboys in a tight spot, unable to splurge on high-profile free agents like Henry.
For Henry, his presence is already adding a new dimension to the Ravens' running game. His formidable talent offers the team an edge that they have been craving, especially as they aim to be strong contenders this season. Meanwhile, the Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads, needing to find ways to address their running game issues if they hope to remain competitive.
The contrast between the two teams’ fortunes couldn’t be starker. As the Ravens look ahead with optimism thanks to Henry’s contributions, the Cowboys face a critical juncture. Improving their ground game isn't just an option; it’s a necessity. Whether through player rotations, strategic drafts, or even future acquisitions, the Cowboys must find a recipe for success that does not solely rely on one star player but instead leverages the collective strength of their roster.