Derrick Henry fueled by Cowboys’ free agency snub in Week 3 win
By Matt Sidney
The Baltimore Ravens stormed into Week 3, facing the Dallas Cowboys with high stakes and higher expectations. After a rocky 0-2 start to the season, the Ravens were eager to silence critics and shift the narrative from doubt to dominance. And dominate they did, with star running back Derrick Henry leading the charge in a thrilling display of power and strategy that left the Cowboys reeling.
From the opening whistle, it was clear the Ravens had a plan: unleash Derrick Henry. The powerhouse runner, known for his explosive plays and daunting physicality, did not disappoint. He racked up a staggering 151 yards and found the end zone twice, decisively outperforming a lackluster Cowboys defense that struggled to contain him throughout the game.
Derrick Henry was a man on a mission in Week 3 win against Cowboys
The contrast couldn’t have been starker against Dallas’ own backfield woes. The Cowboys, having gambled on a reunion with Ezekiel Elliott and a speculative addition of Dalvin Cook to their practice squad, have found little success on the ground this season. Elliott’s underwhelming performance, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry, underscores a broader issue of misfiring in the Cowboys’ offensive strategy, where even Jerry Jones has voiced some regrets.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to @stephenasmith on why the team did not go after Derrick Henry in free agency spoke about the confidence that he has in Ezekiel Elliott:
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) September 4, 2024
"First of all, we might have a little difference as to what we were lacking the most. It is very common,…
Henry’s heroics were not just a personal triumph but a strategic masterstroke. The Ravens’ commitment to the run game paid dividends, setting the tone early and keeping the Cowboys’ defense off balance. With quarterback Lamar Jackson’s agility and Henry’s sheer force, Baltimore’s offense looked refreshed and relentless, a far cry from the struggles of their first two games.
As the game unfolded, the Cowboys’ decision to pass on Henry in the offseason looked increasingly like a misstep. Jerry Jones’ comments, hinting at regret over not securing Henry’s talents, seemed to foreshadow the day’s outcome. The Titans’ former star made sure to remind everyone, especially the Cowboys, of what they missed out on, delivering a performance that was both a statement and a stark reminder of his value.
Henry was a major talking point heading into the game. After signing with the Ravens, he revealed that he would have joined the Cowboys if Jerry Jones had made an offer. While a middle-ground on salary would have been necessary, Jones didn’t even reach out to the then-free agent.
Welp Derrick Henry told me he was looking forward to this one after wanting to play in Dallas. Lives and trains here in the offseason. Told me about 20 people in the stands to see him. Nice show today. 2 TDs, 133 scrimmage yards
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 22, 2024
Cowboys fans suspected Henry would be motivated to make a statement, and he certainly did on the field. Before kickoff, he confirmed this to NFL Media’s Jane Slater, sharing that he had about 20 friends and family members in the stands, as he lives in Dallas during the offseason.
Henry clearly took it personally that Dallas never reached out. He dominated defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s defense, racking up 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns, along with 23 receiving yards. He was a problem for the Cowboys all afternoon.
This Week 3 victory not only puts the Ravens back on track but also sends a clear message across the league: underestimate Baltimore at your peril, especially when Derrick Henry is in the backfield.
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