In the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys' quest for a potent running game brought them tantalizingly close to acquiring star running back Derrick Henry. Despite initial skepticism, the deal was closer to fruition than many might have imagined. Henry, who trains in Dallas during the offseason, ultimately signed a lucrative two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, opting to leave the Tennessee Titans after an eight-year tenure.
A Missed Opportunity
Henry's debut with the Ravens was nothing short of spectacular, as he rushed for 151 yards and scored two touchdowns in a narrow 28-25 victory against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. This performance only amplified the Cowboys' glaring issues in their running game, particularly as it marked their second consecutive home loss.
The Cowboys' current roster includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn. However, their rushing statistics have left much to be desired. Ranking 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season, the Cowboys managed just 51 yards on the ground in their third game.
Financial Constraints
The decision to prioritize contract extensions for key players such as wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott meant that the Cowboys faced substantial salary cap constraints. This financial reality was echoed by Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones, who candidly admitted, "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry." Jones further elaborated, "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 emphasized that Henry's acquisition would not have been a panacea for the team's rushing 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, 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," Jones remarked.
The Ravens' Gain
With Henry now a Raven, Baltimore's running game receives a considerable boost. His presence offers the team a robust and dynamic ground attack, aiding the Ravens' postseason ambitions. Conversely, the Cowboys must navigate their running game difficulties to remain competitive in a challenging NFL landscape.
Even though Dallas missed out on acquiring Derrick Henry, his story serves as a revealing glimpse into the complex balance of talent acquisition and financial strategy that NFL teams must master. Without making significant adjustments, the Cowboys risk struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The window for change remains open, and the Cowboys have little choice but to explore every possible avenue to bolster their running game, ensuring it complements the strengths of their otherwise formidable roster.