In a surprising turn of events that nearly reshaped the NFL landscape, Derrick Henry's potential transfer to the Dallas Cowboys came closer to fruition than most fans might have realized. As it turns out, the star running back, who trains in Dallas during the offseason, had more than just passing connections to the Cowboys.
After spending the first eight years of his career with the Tennessee Titans, Henry signed a lucrative two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. His debut for the Ravens was nothing short of spectacular; Henry rushed for 151 yards and scored two touchdowns in a narrow 28-25 victory over the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. This loss marked the Cowboys' second consecutive home defeat, a stark contrast to the expectations set at the season's onset.
Rushing Woes for the Cowboys
The Cowboys' ground game, or lack thereof, has been a significant issue early in the season. Despite having a depth chart that includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, Dallas has found itself struggling to make any headway in the rushing department. The team ranked 25th in rushing during the first two weeks, managing a paltry 51 yards on the ground in their Week 3 game.
The team's decision to hold off on extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott left them with limited salary cap space. This financial restriction proved to be a considerable obstacle in their pursuit of Henry. As Cowboys owner Jerry Jones candidly put it, "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry."
Jones elaborated further, stating, "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."
Beyond One Player
Yet, Jones was quick to dispel the notion that acquiring a single star player would have been a panacea for the Cowboys' struggles. "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 said. "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' issues on the ground are symptomatic of larger systemic problems that cannot be addressed by merely adding one player, however talented he may be. Offensive line performance, strategic play-calling, and a balanced offense are all integral components that the team must focus on to rectify their early-season woes.
Henry's Impact on the Ravens
Meanwhile, Henry's presence in Baltimore has added a formidable edge to the Ravens' running game. His debut performance showcased his abilities and hinted at what Baltimore fans can expect as the season progresses. With Henry in the backfield, the Ravens now possess one of the most potent rushing attacks in the NFL, a dimension that could be critical in their pursuit of postseason success.
For the Cowboys, this situation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in roster management, especially under the constraints of the salary cap. While the thought of what could have been with Henry might linger, the team must turn its focus inward, addressing the multifaceted issues plaguing their running game. As the season unfolds, the Cowboys' ability to adapt and evolve will determine their competitiveness in a challenging NFC landscape.
In the NFL, opportunities can change the course of a franchise. For the Cowboys, the near-acquisition of Derrick Henry serves as a narrative of what almost was, highlighting both the potential and the limitations inherent in their current setup. As Jones and the rest of the Cowboys' brass evaluate their path forward, one thing remains clear: success in the NFL requires a holistic approach, one that transcends individual talents and touches every facet of the game.