Henry to Cowboys: Closer Than You'd Think
In the offseason frenzy of the NFL, rumors fly, and fans dream of star players joining their teams. This past offseason, one of the juiciest speculations involved Derrick Henry potentially donning the star on his helmet and joining the Dallas Cowboys—an outcome that came closer to reality than many might initially believe.
A Dallas Offseason Base
Derrick Henry, the powerhouse running back, has a personal connection to Dallas, training in the city during the offseason. This geographical link added fuel to the rumors that the Cowboys were in the hunt for his talents. For a fanbase desperate to bolster a lackluster ground game, the possibility of Henry joining the roster was tantalizing.
A New Skyline in Baltimore
Ultimately, the bidding war for Henry's prowess concluded with the Baltimore Ravens securing him on a two-year, $16 million contract. Henry, who had spent his entire eight-season career with the Tennessee Titans, opted to bring his formidable running game to Baltimore. In his debut performance, he demonstrated exactly why he remains one of the premier backs in the league, rushing for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns against the Cowboys. This stellar performance led the Ravens to a narrow 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium, deepening the Cowboys' woes with a second consecutive home loss.
Dallas' Depth Chart Dilemma
The Cowboys' stagnant ground game has been a source of frustration. With a depth chart featuring Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, the team expected more dynamism. However, the results have been underwhelming. Through the first three weeks of the season, the Cowboys ranked 25th in rushing, managing a paltry 51 yards on the ground in their third game.
Financial Constraints
Jerry Jones, the ever-candid owner of the Cowboys, shed light on why the team couldn't make a splashy move for Henry. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones stated matter-of-factly. In classic Jones fashion, he expanded on the matter: "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' comments underscore the financial restrictions faced by the Cowboys as they have chosen to bide their time on extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott.
Jones further elucidated the multifaceted nature of the team's running game 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."
The Impact on the Ravens
While Dallas grappled with its financial and on-field constraints, Baltimore celebrated its acquisition. Henry provides the Ravens with a formidable presence in the backfield, enhancing their offensive versatility. His arrival injects vigor into an already dynamic offensive unit, poised to challenge for supremacy in the AFC.
The Path Forward for the Cowboys
For Dallas, the season is still young, but the signals from the first few games indicate that they need to address their rushing deficiencies to remain competitive. The addition of Henry was a missed opportunity that could have elevated their offensive arsenal. However, the Cowboys' leadership remains hopeful that a combination of strategic adjustments and player development will rectify their run game issues.
As always, the NFL season remains unpredictable, with storylines evolving weekly. While Derrick Henry won't be wearing the Dallas star this season, the narrative serves as a reminder of the constant balance between talent acquisition, financial management, and on-field execution that teams must navigate.