The Dallas Cowboys, led by owner Jerry Jones, faced a challenging Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, highlighting their pressing need for a running back.

Fans had anticipated that Jones would pursue Derrick Henry in the 2024 free agency, especially since Henry was a top name available this offseason.

Instead, he signed with the Ravens, and during the Cowboys’ game, he showcased his talent by rushing for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns, including a notable 26-yard run that extended Baltimore’s lead to 28-6 in the third quarter.

After the game, Jones addressed why the Cowboys didn’t sign Henry, stating, “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 couldn’t make that all fit.”

This comment reflects the financial constraints the Cowboys faced, as they were also negotiating several contract extensions for key players like CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott.

Henry ultimately signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Ravens, making him the ninth highest-paid running back in the NFL.

The Cowboys decided to re-sign Ezekiel Elliott instead, giving him a one-year contract worth up to $3 million with incentives. However, the team’s running game has been struggling.

In the loss to the Ravens, Rico Dowdle led the Cowboys with just 32 yards on eight carries, while Elliott managed only six yards on three attempts.

This disappointing performance followed a similar outcome against the New Orleans Saints, where Dowdle and Elliott combined for only 46 rushing yards.

While making a deal for Henry would have required maneuvering within the salary cap, his impact in Baltimore raises questions about whether the Cowboys missed an opportunity.

The NFL’s Week 3 was filled with excitement, featuring the Carolina Panthers’ first win with Andy Dalton, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ perfect start with Justin Fields, and the Denver Broncos securing their first victory.

Sam Darnold, the Panthers’ backup quarterback, surprised many by being the most productive QB in the league heading into Week 4.

He led the Panthers to a 34-7 victory over the Texans, throwing for 181 yards and four touchdowns against one of the NFL’s top defenses.

Darnold has accumulated 657 passing yards and eight touchdowns over three games, leading the Vikings to a surprising 3-0 start, prompting many to reconsider their earlier opinions about him.

Justin Fields also deserves recognition, having led the Steelers to three straight wins while performing admirably. In a 20-10 victory over the Chargers, Fields threw for 245 yards and accounted for a touchdown both through the air and on the ground.

Many are beginning to rethink their criticisms of him, considering that he may thrive with the Steelers, who could be the team to unlock his potential.

Meanwhile, Bo Nix showed significant improvement after a rocky start to the season.

The rookie QB had an impressive outing in the Broncos’ 26-7 win over the Buccaneers, completing 216 yards without turnovers and distributing the ball effectively among his receivers.

This performance suggests that the Broncos may have found the player they expected when they drafted Nix.In Tennessee, however, turmoil seems inevitable following the Titans’ loss to the Packers, where former backup Malik Willis led a strong performance against his old team.

Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk has previously shown a low tolerance for poor performances, raising speculation about potential changes in the organization.

On the other hand, Anthony Richardson’s early season hype has dimmed as he continues to struggle.

Despite flashes of talent, his development is still in progress, demonstrated by multiple interceptions in games, highlighting that he has much to learn before reaching his potential.

The Cowboys’ decision not to sign Derrick Henry could haunt them, especially as their running game falters.

Jones’s confidence in his current roster of backs has not panned out, especially when Henry showcased his skills against them, making the missed opportunity all the more glaring.Kyler Murray has been performing well for the Cardinals, demonstrating that he could be a top-10 quarterback this season.

With strong performances and chemistry with rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Murray’s resurgence is encouraging for the team.

In contrast, the Raiders are once again in disarray, as evidenced by their loss to the Panthers.

Coach Antonio Pierce has expressed dissatisfaction with certain players, indicating that changes may be on the horizon as he navigates the chaos within the franchise.

In the WNBA, Caitlin Clark faced a tough postseason debut despite being named the unanimous 2024 Rookie of the Year.

After a disappointing Game 1 against the Connecticut Sun, where she scored only 11 points on poor shooting, Clark maintained a positive outlook, believing she would bounce back in the next game.

While Clark’s struggles were evident, Sun forward DeWanna Bonner recognized her talent, anticipating that she would come out stronger in the following match.

Clark’s resilience was evident as she remained optimistic about her performance and the Fever’s chances despite the significant loss.

On the NHL front, Jeremy Swayman is holding firm in his contract negotiations with the Boston Bruins, which has led the team to explore backup options.

Swayman’s unwillingness to settle for an unsatisfactory deal puts him at risk of missing valuable playing time, particularly if he doesn’t reach an agreement by December 1.

The Bruins have brought in veteran goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo on a tryout agreement, signaling their need for alternatives if Swayman’s situation does not resolve soon.

Joonas Korpisalo has also been tasked with stepping up in Swayman’s absence during training camp, working diligently to regain his starting form.

Swayman’s competitive nature drives him to push for a deal he believes is fair, but this may have consequences for both his and the Bruins’ season if a resolution isn’t found quickly.

The organization’s search for a solution indicates the seriousness of Swayman’s holdout and the potential ramifications for the team’s goaltending depth.As the NFL season continues, the dynamics of various teams are shifting.

The Eagles secured a late-game victory against the Saints, with Derek Carr’s interception sealing the win for Philadelphia.

After the game, former Saints player C.J. Gardner-Johnson didn’t hold back, criticizing Carr and implying that the Saints were not serious contenders in the league.

Gardner-Johnson’s comments reflect more than just a rivalry; they indicate lingering feelings from his time with the Saints.

His assertion that Carr would give the defense opportunities for turnovers proved accurate, as Carr’s performance fell short of expectations following strong outings in the first two weeks of the season.

Overall, the landscape of the NFL, WNBA, and NHL is filled with stories of triumph, disappointment, and ongoing negotiations.

Teams are navigating their challenges while players seek to prove themselves, whether through impressive performances or contract negotiations.

As the seasons progress, the decisions made now will resonate well into the future, shaping the narrative for teams and players alike.