Packers Mike McCarthy defends Aaron Rodgers after Greg Jennings speaks out
So the 83.1 yards per game he’s averaged as a starter is a decent enough figure, but it’s not enough to get him any further up this list until we see some sustained proof that things can get better. Can they? The Cowboys drafted Joseph Randle this year, and he’s a threat to take over if Murray gets hurt, just as Murray was a threat to Felix Jones in 2011. Murray has incentive to stay healthy, for sure. And the Cowboys are changing some things about the way they design and implement their offense this year, with quarterback Tony Romo being more involved during the week and offensive coordinator Bill Callahan taking over play-calling duties on game day. There’s also the chance of improved interior offensive line play with the help of first-round pick Travis Frederick , which would help Murray run better and possibly avoid injury. But in the end, the biggest questions aren’t about the Cowboys, but about Murray himself. He seems like a back who enjoys contact, and backs like that, while super-tough, tend not to last very long in the NFL. Murray was one of the guys on the film they showed us at the league meetings in the spring when they introduced the new rule about running backs leading with the crowns of their helmets in the open field. He’s an angry, aggressive runner who puts himself in position to get hurt.
Cowboys | DeMarco Murray eager to work in one-back sets
Carolina’s fortunes will continue to ride on Newton’s shoulders (and legs) even as he copes with the departure of offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Bears QB Jay Cutler is embarking on his fifth year in Chicago and hopes a payday is in the offing with his contract set to expire after the season. But the strong-armed slinger first has to grasp the playbook of new coach Marc Trestman, who’s installing the fourth system Cutler has had to learn since coming to the Windy City. David Banks, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Cowboys LB Sean Lee (50) is coming off a season-ending toe injury and will now be the keystone to a defense transitioning to new coordinator Monte Kiffin’s Cover 2 scheme. Lee and Co. will be expected to keep the points down while making the takeaway figure rise. (Naturally, Big D’s D could use some help from RB DeMarco Murray (29) and a run game that finished 31st in 2012.)) Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen No team threw the ball more than the Lions in 2012. However free agent RB Reggie Bush should restore needed balance to the offense and ought to benefit from the double coverage WR Calvin Johnson will continue to demand and/or give Megatron (just 5 TDs last year) more breathing room by forcing defenses to respect his own game-breaking moves. Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen A dislocated hip limited Packers T Bryan Bulaga (75) to just nine games a year ago, but he’s now charged with watching QB Aaron Rodgers’ back — Marshall Newhouse and Derek Sherrod should battle for Bulaga’s old post on the right side — as part of a completely inverted offensive line. Rodgers was sacked a league-high 51 times in 2012. Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports The Vikings dipped into the free agent pool for WR Greg Jennings (15) largely to upgrade the NFC’s least productive passing game. A consummate professional, Jennings could also be a perfect mentor for rookie WR Cordarrelle Patterson. Bruce Kluckhohn, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen The Saints had a historically bad defense in 2012, surrendering a record 7,042 yards as the team fell to 7-9. New coordinator Rob Ryan (white hat) brings a pressure-based, 3-4 scheme in hopes of changing matters …
Could DeMarco Murray Really Tally a 2,000-Yard Season?
Post to Facebook Cardinals add John Abraham, Eric Winston while rookie retires on USAToday.com: http://usat.ly/1c7kn4o Incorrect please try again A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Sent! A link has been sent to your friend’s email address. 2 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Cardinals add John Abraham, Eric Winston while rookie retires Kent Somers, USA TODAY Sports 8:42 p.m. EDT July 25, 2013 John Abraham had 10 sacks for the Falcons in 2012. (Photo: Josh D. Weiss, USA TODAY Sports) Story Highlights Abraham, NFL’s active sack leader, will play linebacker in Arizona’s 3-4 defense Winston will likely start at right tackle as he did for the Texans and Chiefs Latest concussion seems to have ended Ryan Swope’s NFL career before it began SHARE 6 CONNECT 7 TWEET 2 COMMENTEMAILMORE The Arizona Cardinals’ roster renovation is apparently a project that’s not going to end anytime soon. It continued Thursday when the team agreed to terms with an offensive tackle who could win a starting job and a pass rusher with a history of getting to the quarterback. Eric Winston, formerly with the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs, reached terms on a one-year deal and will compete for the right tackle job.
Jordy Nelson, DeMarco Murray among NFC players on the spot
When he gets the ball this year, it is expected to be in a one-back, two-tight end alignment since the team no longer has a fullback on the roster. “It’s something I’m looking forward to,” Murray said Sunday, July 21. “When you get guys spread out, its going to be hard for them to have seven or eight guys in the (box) so its going to open a lot of running lanes.” Fantasy Tip: Murray has always been a tremendous talent, but staying healthy has been what has held him back from becoming a fantasy superstar. He is the bona fide No. 1 in Dallas with no one of note pushing him, so he’ll see a lion’s share of the carries, and is therefore a tremendous late first-round pick on draft day. Just be sure to have plenty of depth due to his injury history. Access more DeMarco Murray news and rumors by clicking here …. What do you think? Sound off!
Adrian Peterson on Cowboys’ DeMarco Murray: ‘I know Dallas hasn’t seen the best out of him’
It is all on Romo. Its always all on Romo. And that is why you will fail. Again. Sorry. So basically your saying Romo plays all 22 positions for the team? Dont make such stupid comments. jaltreality says: Jul 10, 2013 2:59 PM Well, thats just the nature of the job. Fair or not, QBs get all the credit (see: Joe Flaccos post-Super Bowl contract), they get all the blame. grrsnronw says: Jul 10, 2013 3:06 PM Romo always gets the blame when the Cowboys dont win. Hell the defense couldnt stop a 5 year old from running on them or passing on them.
DeMarco Murray: It’s not all on Romo
09, 2013 9:00PM – 11:59PM CDT Cowboys at Raiders The Cowboys head to Oakland to take on the Raiders. Sat., Aug. 17, 2013 3:30PM – 6:30PM CDT Cowboys at Cardinals The Cowboys close out training camp with a preseason matchup against the Cardinals in Phoenix, Arizona. Sat., Aug. 24, 2013 7:00PM – 10:00PM CDT Cowboys vs Bengals The Cowboys return home to take on the Bengals at Cowboys Stadium. Thu., Aug. 29, 2013 7:00PM – 10:00PM CDT Cowboys vs Texans The Cowboys close out their preseason against the Texans at Cowboys Stadium. Sun., Sep. 08, 2013 7:30PM – 10:30PM CDT Cowboys at Giants The Cowboys open up their season at home against the New York Giants.
That’s the type of mentality he has. You’ve seen that in Dallas. He’s so versatile with what he can do blocking, running the ball, catching the ball. He’s going to be a good player for the Cowboys.” Murray and Peterson have both shown the ability to be physical runners who don’t mind dishing out some punishment to opposing defenders. With that in mind, some might think the two running backs will have to change their style considering the NFL’s new rule that will penalize ball carriers who deliver blows with the crown of their helmets. So will runners like Peterson and Murray have to change their style of running? “Not really,” Peterson said. “There will be some little adjustments I’ll do. Ultimately, it’s not going to make that big of a difference.” Peterson will have a homecoming of sorts on Nov.
Keeping DeMarco Murray healthy key
Jenkins and rookie Quinton Patton might emerge as legitimate contributors, Davis’ explosiveness and versatility could make him the focal point of the passing game. The 49ers have flirted with a variety of formations and passing concepts designed to make it easier to get Davis the ball, from lining him up as a traditional tight end to splitting him out wide as a quasi-receiver. If masterful game planning can help the former Pro Bowl er thrive as the No. 1 option with Colin Kaepernick under center, the 49ers ‘ offense won’t skip a beat. Seattle Seahawks : MarshawnLynch, running back Despite all of the attention Russell Wilson has received for sparking the Seahawks ‘ resurgence, there is no doubt that Lynch remains the most important offensive player in the lineup. The seventh-year pro has averaged 1,397 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in his two full seasons with Seattle, setting the tone for the offense with his toughness and physicality as a runner. Most importantly, Lynch commands the attention of opposing defenses, alleviating the pressure on Wilson in the pocket. Although Wilson appears ready to take on the challenge of playing as a franchise quarterback, the presence of a steady and dependable Lynch will definitely make life easier for the young star. St.
Scout’s Eye: Murray Starting To Shine Backup TEs Step Up
While the 2012 NFL MVP and former Oklahoma standout answered questions about bouncing back from major knee surgery to have one of the greatest rushing seasons in NFL history , he also discussed his friend, Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray, and facing the Cowboys in Week 9. Peterson carried the load for the Sooners from 2004-2006 and Murray took over the following season after Peterson headed to the NFL Draft. Peterson said the two still keep in touch and he sees a bright future for Murray in the Cowboys backfield. MORE COWBOYS NEWS Breaking Down the Boys: Why the Cowboys offense can improve with one simple trick Hes a heck of an athlete, heck of a player and a better man off the field, Peterson said. I KNOW Dallas hasnt seen the best out of him. The moment he stepped on that campus, I knew if he stayed healthy he was going to be good. Thats the type of mentality he has. Youve seen that in Dallas. Hes so versatile with what he can do blocking, running the ball, catching the ball. Hes going to be a good player for the Cowboys. Murray and Peterson have both shown the ability to be physical runners who dont mind dishing out some punishment to opposing defenders.
Adrian Peterson on Cowboys’ DeMarco Murray: ‘Dallas hasn’t seen the best out of him’
See, Murray likes to patiently run along the line of scrimmage, pick his hole and then accelerate through it. Callahan prefers the scheme because it forces the defensive lineman to move sideways, making them easier to block. “In high school and college I was either in a one-back or shotgun, so I’m used to not having a fullback,” Murray said. “You don’t have to worry about reading the fullback or the hole getting clogged up. I just have to work on being more patient and giving the play time to develop. I watch a lot of tape of Frank Gore because he’s probably the most patient runner I’ve seen. He does a great job of setting up blocks and waiting for the hole to open.” The Cowboys need Murray to provide the consistent offensive balance this offense has lacked the past few seasons. Dallas is 6-0 when Murray rushes for 100 yards and 8-0 when he gets 20 carries in a game. All that does is reinforce the importance sticking with the running game to complement the passing attack. More on the Cowboys Top 50 Cowboys “We were second-worst [run game] in the league last season,” Murray said.
Cardinals add John Abraham, Eric Winston while rookie retires
No, DeMarco Murray . Although similarities between Murray and Peterson are only in their physical appearance and running styles, the Dallas Cowboys runner said the following, per Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News , in response to a question about running for 2,000 yards in a season, something the reigning NFL MVP did in 2012. USA TODAY Sports “I think Im capable of anything.” While that’s far from an outright guarantee, Murray’s confident comment has made many think about the possibility of him becoming the eighth member of professional football’s mostprestigious running back club. Outside of tremendous natural ability, a multitude of things have to go right for a back to reach the 2,000-yard plateau, so let’s dive into Murray’s chances of achieving immortality. Murray’s History In order to run for 2,000 yards, a running back must average 125 yards per game over a full, 16-game regular season. As pointed out by ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio , Murray had single-game outputs of 253, 139, 135, and 131 yards all in his first nine contests as the Cowboys feature back. In his first 16 games as the main guy in Dallas, a period that spanned from the middle of 2011 through late in the 2012 campaign, Murray accumulated 1,371 yards, a respectable total but clearly well short of 2,000. Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Actually, his last 100-yard performance came in the season-opener against the New York Giants a year ago. To put succinctly, Murray’s “first” nine games provided a glimpse of what the former Oklahoma Sooners star is capable of, but since then, he’s been average at best. Cowboys’ Offensive History With a 253-yard and three 130-plus-yard efforts, along with five games of 40 yards or less, Murray’s been the definition of “boom-or-bust” with the Cowboys. As it currently stands, Murray’s career yards-per-carry average is 4.8, which is .2 yards lower than Peterson’s (in 1,429 fewer carries). Take away the first five games of his NFL career, before he was the unquestioned starter in Dallas, and Murray’s yards-per-carry average is 4.95. His 25-carry, 253-yard breakout campaign is majorly responsible for his relatively high per-carry efficiency and overall yardage sum, but there have been four instances in which Murray averaged at least five yards per carry in a game when he was not given more than 14 carries. Also, Tony Romo ‘s presence mustn’t be ignored. Fully healthy a season ago, the polarizing quarterback threw the ball 648 times, which was the third-highest total in the NFL. Tom Pennington/Getty Images As a team, per ProFootballFocus (subscription required) the Cowboys ran 703 pass plays to only 355 on the ground, which equated to a run percentage of 33.55, a offensive tendency that doesn’t bode well for Murray’s 2,000-yard chances. To compare, the Minnesota Vikings ran 591 pass plays to 515 runs in 2012, a run percentage 46.5 percent. This chart illustrates how trulystark the contrast was: Not surprisingly, in Murray’s non-100 yard games, his cumulative yards-per-carry average dipped to 3.89, definitely not part of the recipe for a 2,000-yard masterpiece. Additionally, he only averages 82.6 yards per game in his 18 games as the “starter.” If Murray was given the 348 carries Peterson received in 2012, at the 4.95 yards-per-carry he averages in 18 games as the starter, he’d finish a full season with 1,722 yards. Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images Larry Johnson carried the ball a record 416 times in 2006, and ran for 1,789 yards. Therefore, Murray would have to be fed the ball a whopping 405 timesan attempt total which would be exceeded only by James Wilder in 1984, Jamal Anderson in 1998 and Larry Johnson in 2007to eclipse 2,000 yards. Actually, in the theoretical, absolute best-case scenario, extrapolating the 6.0 yard-per-carry average Murray had in his first nine games as the starter in Dallas, 334 carries would get him to 2,000. However, in an offense that appeared to be decidedly pass-predicated in 2012and forced to throw more when trailingit seems as though Murray would be lucky to get 300 carries, much less 400. Even 334 would be considered far fetched. Murray’s Injuries The Cowboys’ dedication to frequently passing the football isn’t the only part of history that suggests Murray would have an exceptionally difficult time reaching 2,000 yards in a season. The powerful runner has dealt with a variety of injuries early in his career. Tom Pennington/Getty Images Murray has appeared in 23 of a possible 32 games since joining the Cowboys in 2011, and he missed six games in 2012 with a nagging foot injury. While some firmly believe in the term “injury-prone,” injuries seem to be more random than anything else, so there’s no real way to predict if Murray can stay healthy or not.
Meryl Yourish 