DMN: Instant Analysis: DeMarco Murray was outstanding, but...

[WoodysGirl]

Instant Analysis: DeMarco Murray was outstanding, but it was against the NFL's worst run defense (http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/10/instant-analysis-demarco-murra.html)

ByJon Machota / Special Contributor

jonmachota32@yahoo.com | Bio

6:07 PM on Sun., Oct. 23, 2011 | Permalink

ARLINGTON -- The Cowboys easily ran past the St. Louis Rams Sunday at Cowboys Stadium. In the process, DeMarco Murray grabbed the Cowboys' single-game rushing record with a 253 yards on 25 carries.

Here are my five thoughts on the lopsided outcome that allowed the Cowboys to improve to 3-3.

1.) Murray was tough the entire afternoon and made good use of his increased playing time. With Felix Jones injured, Murray provided nearly all of the highlights Sunday. He took advantage of the increased playing time and showed why the Rams run defense is the worst in the league. St. Louis allowed opponents an average of 161.8 yards per game entering the Week 7 matchup, that's nearly 100 yards more a game than what the Cowboys are averaging. Murray's record-setting performance topped a previous record held by Emmitt Smith. I wonder if Smith is happy for Murray or mad that his record no longer stands?

2.) Dez Bryant had his best second half of the season. He only caught two balls in the second half of the previous five games this season, but he grabbed three, including a touchdown, during the second half against St. Louis. He dropped two catchable balls on consecutive plays late in the second quarter, and said afterward that he felt like he needed to make up for the incomplete passes that forced the Cowboys to settle for a field goal.

Read the rest: http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/10/instant-analysis-demarco-murra.html

[starchamber]

Even though Murray's performance is against the worst running defense in the league 253 yards is 253 yards. That's almost 100 more than they usually surrender. Still a hell of a performance by a rookie and a team not celebrated for it's running game.

[ThreeSportStar80]

253 yards is 253 yards!

[DBOY3141]

McCoy didn't run for 253
Rice didn't run for 253

The Rams stink, but 253 is amazing to do in the NFL.

[Reality]

If Murray had run for 50 yards, the story would be how inept the running game was against the worst run defense in the league.

Whatever it takes to get readers, the mediots will do..

#reality

[ThreeSportStar80]

If Murray had run for 50 yards, the story would be how inept the running game was against the worst run defense in the league.

Whatever it takes to get readers, the mediots will do..

#reality

I agree...

[Mash]

I'm still disappointed in that 40 yrd run.......being tired....exhausted.....excuse doesn't cut it for me.........u can't fall down like that and give up.

Go for the record

Emmtt .....Tony D wouldn't of flopped like that

Don't get me wrong...it was a great day....a great accomplisment .....but being too tired? Lame excuse IMHO........this game has way too many breaks to be tired :)

[trickblue]

I'm still disappointed in that 40 yrd run.......being tired....exhausted.....excuse doesn't cut it for me.........u can't fall down like that and give up.

Go for the record

Emmtt .....Tony D wouldn't of flopped like that

Don't get me wrong...it was a great day....a great accomplisment .....but being too tired? Lame excuse IMHO........this game has way too many breaks to be tired :)

I figured it was a cramp at the time... but also remember he missed camp and is likely just starting to get into good shape...

[ThreeandOut]

I figured it was a cramp at the time... but also remember he missed camp and is likely just starting to get into good shape...

With the angle of the defender, that play had the potential to be like the Roy Williams fumble against New Orleans last year. So I didn't mind him going down early and protecting the ball in that instance.

[adbutcher]

If Murray had run for 50 yards, the story would be how inept the running game was against the worst run defense in the league.

Whatever it takes to get readers, the mediots will do..

#reality

It really is pretty disgusting that a writer would try to find ways to add caveats to a historic rushing performance.

Dallas: 1

Mediots: 0

[Donny Phoenix]

I'm still disappointed in that 40 yrd run.......being tired....exhausted.....excuse doesn't cut it for me.........u can't fall down like that and give up.

Go for the record

Emmtt .....Tony D wouldn't of flopped like that

Don't get me wrong...it was a great day....a great accomplisment .....but being too tired? Lame excuse IMHO........this game has way too many breaks to be tired :)

Both defenders were funneling in on him and about an arm and a half's length from him. He could have tried to drag both of them, but then there was a third defender coming up from behind. There was no chance of DeMarco outrunning, juking, or breaking those tackles, and a good chance the ball could've been poked out. I have no problem with going down and protecting the ball.

Before we bench the vet and anoint the rookie after one game, there are several things that probably enabled the performance by Murray and Tanner:

1. Yes, The Rams run defense.
2. The return of a FB, Fiammetta.
3. Putting a vet back on the line, Holland
4. Increased focus on the run game because of last week.

Points 2 and 3 are the reason I would to see Jones still get his touches. But all said DeMarco and Felix are very close in ability and style. I dont even care what split they use between the 2, but they are our 1 and 2 back. If Tanner can block, pick up blitz, and play ST, he's the 3.

I dont see any upside to keeping Choice. I think his confidence is starting to take a beating, and that was one of the main things he had going for him.

Dallas won this game exactly the way they needed to, and not allowing that final score was the icing. Good game!