There are numerous issues with the Dallas Cowboys. One of the main ones is running the ball. Despite having an offense that was expected to be explosive with Dak Prescott tossing the ball to All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb, the
rank worst in the NFL with 77.2 running yards per game.
Rather, the Cowboys, who have the 20th-best scoring unit in the league (21 points per game), most recently suffered their third straight home loss to the Detroit Lions, 47-9. All of this has led to a more irritated Jerry Jones during the Cowboys owner’s routine media appearances.
Jerry Jones converses with Derrick Henry
During his weekly radio appearance with 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday, Jones discussed the Cowboys’ run game. He did so after the Baltimore Ravens offense on Monday night showcased running back Derrick Henry, who was a free agent over the offseason and open to the Cowboys.
Jones gave an explanation on Tuesday for his belief that Henry won’t make a significant impact for the Cowboys this season.
Jerry Jones, owner of the Cowboys, stated today via @1053thefan that he did not sign Derrick Henry. “This year is a career year for Derrick. In our circumstances, I’m not sure if he would be having a career year. That kind of offense is not what we run at all. Derrick didn’t fit, mostly because of how he handled the cap.
Jones remarked, “I think we’re not playing very good football right now, at all.” “Whether or not we have Derrick Henry is irrelevant. This year is Derrick Henry’s career year.
Jones then seemed to admit that the Ravens’ offensive plan is better than the Cowboys’.
Jones went on, “I don’t know whether he’d be having that career year in our position.” Furthermore, you absolutely must have a look at that. Because he most likely wouldn’t have had the kind of influence he is having if he hadn’t received as many carries as our running backs.
Additionally, he is a great fit for the offensive scheme they employ. That’s not the kind of offense we run.”
Ezekiel Elliott was retrieved by the Cowboys on a one-year contract that guaranteed $2 million. For a running back who hasn’t averaged more than four yards per carry since 2021 and hasn’t shown that he can make a difference since running behind one of the top offensive lines in the league early in his first Dallas stay, it was, at best, an optimistic deal.
Elliott joined a backfield that included Rico Dowdle, who has never averaged more than 4.2 yards per carry or run for more than 361 yards in a single season. To put it briefly, the Cowboys have a few guys running behind an offensive line that no longer looks like one of the best in the league. On the field, it’s manifesting itself.
So, should Henry have been a target for the Cowboys throughout the offseason? Jones clarified on Monday that it was only a wage cap calculation that led to the decision not to.
Jones stated, “Now Derrick Henry didn’t fit due largely of managing the cap and anticipation of the guys that we were going to sign in the future or that we hoped to sign weeks later.”
The Cowboys made it a priority to sign Prescott and Lamb to long-term contracts. Next offseason, linebacker Micah Parsons will have to make a contract choice. Dallas should give all of these trades top priority.
However, it’s difficult to compare Henry’s output in Baltimore to the Cowboys’ season thus far and come to the conclusion that Dallas would be better off not pursuing Henry for less than $10 million annually.
