Football fans have long speculated about the potential seismic shift that would accompany Derrick Henry donning the star-emblazoned helmet of the Dallas Cowboys. Though ultimately a mirage, recent revelations illustrate how close that dream came to being reality.
Henry's Offseason in Dallas
The offseason found star running back Derrick Henry training in Dallas, raising eyebrows and fueling speculation among Cowboys faithful. Henry's undeniable prowess on the gridiron led many to connect the dots, envisioning an unparalleled backfield in blue and silver.
However, Henry eventually signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, ending his influential tenure with the Tennessee Titans, where he spent the first eight years of his career. Henry's decision to join the Ravens sent ripples through the NFL, a stark reminder of the league’s ever-evolving dynamics.
Impressive Debut Against the Cowboys
Henry wasted no time making his mark with the Ravens. His debut against the Cowboys saw the running back churn up an impressive 151 yards and score two touchdowns, leading Baltimore to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. The performance illustrated precisely what the Cowboys were missing out on, while also compounding their woes with a second consecutive home loss.
The Cowboys' Rushing Dilemma
The Cowboys, with Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn on their depth chart, have faced significant challenges in their running game. Ranking 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season, Dallas managed just 51 yards on the ground in Week 3. This dearth of production has undoubtedly been a cause for concern.
Owner Jerry Jones openly addressed the issue, stating, "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry." Financial constraints, exacerbated by the decision to delay extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott, left the Cowboys with limited salary cap space. Reflecting on the situation, Jones remarked, "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."
Comprehensive Solutions Over Singular Fixes
Despite the appeal of acquiring a talent like Henry, Jones emphasized that a singular acquisition wouldn't solve the Cowboys' broader offensive issues. “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," he said. "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."
Ravens' Gain, Cowboys' Conundrum
Derrick Henry’s presence has unequivocally bolstered the Ravens' offensive arsenal, providing them with a formidable running game as the season progresses. For the Cowboys, meanwhile, the challenge lies in navigating their running game woes and finding alternative solutions to stay competitive.
While the Cowboys continue to search for answers, what remains clear is that the NFL’s landscape can shift dramatically, as evidenced by Henry's impactful move to Baltimore. The Cowboys now face the formidable task of addressing their offensive shortcomings, a journey that will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.