Henry's Move to the Cowboys: Closer Than Expected
In an off-season twist that nearly reshaped the landscape of the NFL, Derrick Henry’s potential move to the Dallas Cowboys was significantly closer than many fans might have initially thought. The star running back, who trains in Dallas during the offseason, was almost seen donning the Cowboys’ star on his helmet before eventually signing a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. This move concluded Henry's impressive eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
Henry's impact was immediately felt during his debut performance against the Cowboys. He rushed for an impressive 151 yards and scored two touchdowns, leading the Ravens to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium, marking the Cowboys’ second consecutive home loss. This powerful display underscored what could have been for the Cowboys, who are currently grappling with significant running game issues.
The Cowboys' depth chart is anything but short on talent, featuring Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and the rookie Deuce Vaughn. Yet, despite their arsenal, the team ranked 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season, managing a meager 51 yards on the ground in Week 3. These struggles highlight a critical weak spot as the Cowboys strive to remain competitive in a fiercely contested league.
Team owner Jerry Jones offered some candid insight into why Henry ultimately did not join the Cowboys. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones stated bluntly. He elaborated, saying, "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." Financial constraints, it seems, played a pivotal role in this missed opportunity, with the Cowboys opting to delay extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. This decision, while strategic, left the team with limited salary cap space, precluding any big-ticket acquisitions.
Henry's presence would have undoubtedly provided a formidable boost to the Cowboys' running game, potentially steering the team away from its current predicament. However, Jones was quick to dispel the notion that a single player, even one as talented as Henry, could serve as a panacea for the team's running woes. "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 remarked, adding that it takes more than just a star running back to build a successful ground game. "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."
As the Ravens enjoy the fruits of their savvy signing, Henry's formidable presence on the field continues to provide them with a robust running game, bolstering their offensive capabilities. For the Cowboys, the focus now shifts to addressing their running game issues through other means. Whether tweaking their existing roster, refining their offensive strategies, or making future trades, the Cowboys have their work cut out for them to rise above their current standings.
In the fast-paced world of professional football, the margin between potential and reality can often be razor-thin. The near miss with Derrick Henry serves as a poignant reminder of what could have been for the Cowboys, but also as a catalyst for introspection and improvement as the season unfolds.