In the world of professional football, off-season decisions often shape the narratives of the regular season. For the Dallas Cowboys, one such potential decision was a near-acquisition that has left fans and analysts alike pondering "what could have been." Derrick Henry, the star running back, was closer to donning the Cowboys' iconic star than many might have initially thought. However, the constraints of financial realities diverted his path to Baltimore, where he signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Ravens.
Henry’s Impact in Dallas
During the off-season, Henry trains in Dallas, a fact that added fuel to the speculation of him joining the local team. The prospect of having a powerhouse like Henry burst through the Cowboys' offensive line had fans buzzing. His first outing post-signing, ironically against the Cowboys, demonstrated what they missed out on: 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns contributed to Baltimore’s 28-25 win at AT&T Stadium. This performance was a stark reminder of Henry's caliber and the potential different trajectory for Dallas had things unfolded differently.
Running Back Depth
The Cowboys currently have Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn on their depth chart. Despite having notable names, the Cowboys have struggled in the rushing department, ranking 25th in rushing through the initial part of the season. Their ground game woes were glaring in Week 3, where they managed just 51 yards on the ground. This performance marked the team’s second consecutive home loss, accentuating the urgency to address their running game deficiencies.
Financial Constraints
When asked about the possibility of Henry joining the Cowboys, owner Jerry Jones was candid: "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," he stated bluntly. The Cowboys’ decision to hold off on extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott left them with limited salary cap space, preventing them from making a move for Henry.
Expanding on the complexities of their financial situation, Jones explained, "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." The metaphor underscored the balancing act teams face under the cap, which often leads to difficult decisions and missed opportunities.
Addressing the Running Game
Jones didn’t place the blame solely on the running back position for the team’s struggles. "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 elaborated.
The holistic approach Jones described points to broader issues within the Cowboys' offensive strategy, highlighting that the running game is a complex interplay of various elements. While the hypothetical addition of Henry might have presented an immediate upgrade, it would not serve as a panacea for Dallas's multifaceted rushing challenges.
Looking Ahead for the Cowboys
As the season progresses, the Cowboys will need to find ways to revitalize their running game if they aim to remain competitive. The silver lining is that this necessity creates an opportunity for current players to step up and for the coaching staff to innovate with existing resources. Whether through strategic adjustments in play-calling, bolstering the offensive line's performance, or finding a hidden gem among their current roster, the onus is on the Cowboys to adapt and overcome.
Meanwhile, Derrick Henry's presence promises to provide the Ravens with a formidable running game, a contrast that underscores what might have been for Dallas. For now, Cowboys fans can only wonder about the ripple effects of the near acquisition and hope their team can chart a course towards a more effective ground game as the season unfolds.