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.
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.
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.