In a saga that nearly reshaped the NFL landscape, Derrick Henry finding his way to the Dallas Cowboys was closer to becoming a reality than initially believed. The star running back, who regularly trains in Dallas during the offseason, ultimately signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens after eight successful years with the Tennessee Titans.
Henry's performance in his debut for the Ravens against the Cowboys was nothing short of spectacular, rushing for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns in a thrilling 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. This defeat marked the Cowboys' second consecutive home loss, accentuating the team's early-season struggles.
The Cowboys, who currently have Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn on their depth chart, were ranked 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season. Week 3 did not fare much better, with the team only managing 51 yards on the ground. The decision to delay extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott left Dallas with limited salary cap space—factors that played a crucial role in the Henry deal falling through.
Team owner Jerry Jones was candid about the financial constraints: "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," he stated. "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 added that the Cowboys' running game difficulties cannot be attributed to a single issue. "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."
Henry’s presence provides the Ravens with a formidable running game, which has significantly strengthened their offensive capabilities. As the season moves forward, the Cowboys must find ways to address their running game issues to stay competitive. The failure to secure a player of Henry's caliber may yet haunt Dallas, particularly as they hunt for solutions within the confines of a limited roster and a tight salary cap.
While the Cowboys grapple with internal dilemmas, Henry will be looking to make his mark in Baltimore. His debut performance is already a clear indicator that he has plenty left in the tank, making Baltimore a team to watch in the race for AFC supremacy.
The Cowboys’ on-field issues are compounded by off-field calculations. The decision to defer contract extensions for key personnel like Lamb and Prescott, prioritizing future cap flexibility over immediate improvements, further underscores the complexity of managing a competitive NFL roster. The hope in Dallas is that their current strategy will ultimately lay the groundwork for sustained success, though it comes with short-term sacrifices.
For now, Dallas must look internally for solutions, hoping that their current running back committee can find the chemistry and performance necessary to turn around their ground game. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adjusts its strategies moving forward.
As for Henry, the short-term future looks bright in Baltimore. The Ravens are betting that his addition will propel them deep into the postseason, and if his first game is any indication, that bet could pay off handsomely. In a season where every play can alter a team's trajectory, both the Cowboys and the Ravens have made their moves. Only time will tell which team made the winning gamble.