While the recent NFL offseason was packed with notable player movements, one of the most intriguing rumors surrounded the potential transfer of Derrick Henry to the Dallas Cowboys. Though it ultimately didn’t come to fruition, it was surprisingly close to reality. Henry, a star running back, trains in Dallas during the offseason, making the speculation even more compelling.
The Dominique Factor
Henry’s eventual decision saw him opting for a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens after an illustrious eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans. His debut performance in a Ravens jersey was nothing short of spectacular—rushing for 151 yards and securing two touchdowns in a thrilling 28-25 victory over the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. This performance not only highlighted his formidable prowess but also marked the Cowboys' second consecutive home loss, adding to their early-season woes.
Dallas Cowboys' Current Dilemmas
The Cowboys, lagging at 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season, managed just 51 yards on the ground in the third week. They currently have Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn populating their depth chart. Despite having capable players, the team has struggled to ignite an effective ground game.
This deficiency has led to questions about why the Cowboys didn't secure a high-caliber rusher like Henry. Jerry Jones, the outspoken owner of the Cowboys, provided some insights. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones stated plainly. Expounding further, he added, "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."
Cap Space Constraints
The decision by the Cowboys to wait on extensions for crucial players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott left the team with limited salary cap space. Hence, acquiring a top-tier running back like Henry wasn't financially viable for Dallas.
Jones further elaborated on the matter, highlighting the broader issues the team faces. "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." His comments reflect the multifaceted nature of the problem, underscoring that adding a single star player may not be a panacea for the Cowboys' woes.
Implications for Baltimore Ravens
On the flip side, Henry’s inclusion has bestowed the Ravens with a formidable running game, significantly bolstering their offensive strategies. His performance against the Cowboys only emphasized the significant impact he can have on a game, and by extension, the season. As the Ravens relish in their new acquisition, the Cowboys continue grappling with their challenges on the ground.
Looking Forward
As the season progresses, the Cowboys will need to address this integral component of their game if they hope to remain competitive. While the option of acquiring marquee players like Henry has been ruled out due to financial constraints, the team must explore other avenues, whether it be optimizing their current roster or making strategic trades within their financial limits. The early part of the season may have cast a shadow, but the onus is now on the Cowboys to find their stride and prove that they can leverage their existing talent to overcome these initial setbacks.