Henry Close to Landing with Cowboys
In a twist few anticipated, Derrick Henry’s move to the Dallas Cowboys was almost a reality. The star running back, known for his formidable presence on the field, trains in Dallas during the offseason, adding plausibility to the whispers that circulated.
Nevertheless, Henry ultimately signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. This development marked the end of an era, as Henry left the Tennessee Titans after an impressive eight-year stint. His debut for the Ravens was nothing short of spectacular, rushing for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns, contributing significantly to Baltimore's 28-25 victory over the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. This game marked the Cowboys' second consecutive home loss, raising questions about their home-field advantage.
Running Game Concerns in Dallas
The Cowboys' struggles in the rushing department have been evident. With Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn on the roster, Dallas ranked 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season. Managing only 51 yards on the ground in Week 3, the team’s ground game woes have become a critical talking point. Amid these challenges, the looming question for many fans and analysts alike was whether acquiring a player of Henry’s caliber might have been the solution.
Jerry Jones Speaks Out
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones provided some clarity on why the franchise didn’t pursue Henry more aggressively. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones stated bluntly. Economics played a significant role in their transfer decisions. "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 elaborated.
Jones’ comments also included a broader perspective on the team's rushing 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, 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 said.
Cap Space and Contract Decisions
Another factor that influenced the Cowboys' decision-making was their approach to contract extensions for key players. Deciding to wait on extensions for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys found themselves with limited salary cap space. This financial constraint made pursuing a high-profile player like Henry infeasible, despite the potential benefits he could bring to their struggling run game.
Implications for Both Teams
For the Ravens, Henry’s acquisition bolsters an already strong running game, making them a formidable opponent as the season advances. His performance against the Cowboys showcased the immediate impact he can have, reinforcing why Baltimore invested in him.
On the other hand, the Cowboys face the challenge of addressing their rushing issues with the existing roster. With key players in need of contract extensions and limited cap space to make significant additions, the focus will likely remain on optimizing the performance of Dowdle, Elliott, and Vaughn alongside improving offensive line play and developing a more balanced offense.
The journey ahead for Dallas requires strategic in-season adjustments and perhaps some creativity in player utilization. Balancing financial constraints with on-field needs will be crucial for the Cowboys as they aim to stay competitive in a highly contested league.