Could Murray’s Production Be Replaced By Just Anyone? Teammates Scoff, RB Laughs

[Doomsday101]

If that happens, it’ll not only mean the Cowboys and Murray couldn’t come to an agreement, but ultimately that the team also feels confident they could replace Murray’s production of 1,845 rushing yards.
Now, there’s a perception amongst Cowboys fans, media and maybe even some within the organization that any quality running back could do what Murray did, mainly because of the Cowboys’ talented offensive line that includes three Pro Bowlers.
One of them, rookie Zack Martin, doesn’t agree.
“Yeah, at times we put him on green grass, but I’d like to see his yards after contact,” Martin said of Murray. “He was unbelievable this year. Some of the cuts he makes … no one ever tells him where to run because he’s always finding the open seam and breaking tackles. I think that’s completely false. I would love to have him back, and we’ll see what happens.”
Witten called it “silly” to assume that just anyone could replace Murray.
“We’ve got good running backs,” Witten said. “Joe Randle took advantage of every opportunity he got. I think (Lance) Dunbar has got a great future ahead of him. Obviously the O-line, but I think it would be silly to not give him the credit for what he did. It’s not easy to do that. I think Coach (Jason) Garrett said it a few weeks back that he created a mindset for our team and that’s not easy to do. He deserves a lot of that credit, DeMarco does, and so that’s why you want a guy like that back because he stands for everything you want in your football team.”
Martin called it false. Witten said it was silly. So what about Murray, himself?
“I think it’s funny when people say that,” Murray said this week at the Pro Bowl. “Our offensive line is good. And I consider myself good as well. It’s funny, every running back … LaDainian (Tomlinson) rushed for all those yards, and he had a good line. Adrian (Peterson) rushed for a lot of yards and he had a good line. You have to have good players around you. Emmitt Smith had a good line.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...eplaced-just-anyone-teammates-scoff-rb-laughs

 

[Hardline]

I love it when Cowboy players conform what I tell all of you. You cannot plug and play any running back and get great results.

 

[Longboysfan]

Coach (Jason) Garrett said it a few weeks back that he created a mindset for our team and that’s not easy to do.

Correct and teams had to adjust to a more than pass happy team.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Any RB, no. Any RB who is decent, I think they could have success in this Offense.

 

[Doomsday101]

Correct and teams had to adjust to a more than pass happy team.

Many of the runs are not pretty, those are the tough and dirty yards he picked up. Hitting the line breaking tackles and squeezing out more to get us in 2nd or 3rd and shorter yardage. Like many top backs those 3 and 4 yard start turning into bigger gains. Murray has a very good line but just like the other backs mentioned in this article so did other top RB who played

 

[Doomsday101]

Any RB, no. Any RB who is decent, I think they could have success in this Offense.

Maybe I don't recall many RB having success when Emmitt was out of the lineup and that OL was very bit as good if not better. I think a decent back will give you decent results and a top back will give you top results. Murray accounted for 40% of the Cowboys offense

 

[Danger]

Well of course his teammates aren't going to say "oh I'm pretty sure Melvin Gordon could rack up 1500 yards behind the OL"

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Maybe I don't recall many RB having success when Emmitt was out of the lineup and that OL was very bit as good if not better. I think a decent back will give you decent results and a top back will give you top results. Murray accounted for 40% of the Cowboys offense

I did say decent. The back who comes in, should it be necessary, has to fit the Offense. However, those types of backs are available and I do think that it's possible for another RB to have success in this offense. I mean, I guess it comes down to what you think of our RBs in 93. I think we had Derrick Lassic, Tommie Aggie, Lincoln Coleman and Daryle Johnston. As I look at this list of RBs, I don't think any of them were anything like Smith. Johnston was a great, great player but he was a FB. Aggie and Coleman were also FBs if I recall. I think that if we had a decent back in 93, behind Smith, he would have been able to have success as well but that is just my opinion.

 

[Doomsday101]

I did say decent. The back who comes in, should it be necessary, has to fit the Offense. However, those types of backs are available and I do think that it's possible for another RB to have success in this offense. I mean, I guess it comes down to what you think of our RBs in 93. I think we had Derrick Lassic, Tommie Aggie, Lincoln Coleman and Daryle Johnston. As I look at this list of RBs, I don't think any of them were anything like Smith. Johnston was a great, great player but he was a FB. Aggie and Coleman were also FBs if I recall. I think that if we had a decent back in 93, behind Smith, he would have been able to have success as well but that is just my opinion.

True but then I think it would be just as easy to miss on getting a replacement and for an offense whose ground game is so important I don't think it is a great idea to change an important part of the equation. Just my view

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

True but then I think it would be just as easy to miss on getting a replacement and for an offense whose ground game is so important I don't think it is a great idea to change an important part of the equation. Just my view

Perhaps, but they didn't really miss, per say. They never signed anybody to replace Emmitt. I don't think Jerry or the team ever gave a second thought to replacing him. Jerry wanted to play hardball with him and force him into taking less money. With Murray, I think the situation is different. I think they are willing to let Murray walk. If that happens, I think the Cowboys will either draft or sign a guy who is a good prospect or player and one who fits the Offense. I think it's a different situation with Murray.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Anyone? Obviously no. But it's silly to believe Murray should get all the credit for his 1845 when we all know the OL played a very big part in that accomplishment also. Because of that I think any franchise type RB could put him big numbers.

 

[dragon_mikal]

Well of course his teammates aren't going to say "oh I'm pretty sure Melvin Gordon could rack up 1500 yards behind the OL"

Why would anyone say he could? Murray has done it. That's a fact.

Saying anyone else could is nothing but speculative opinion.

 

[DFWJC]

Can't say I've heard even one person say you can just plug in anyone for Murray and get the same results.
Not one.

Do a lot of people think you could add an decent back or draft a good one in the middle rounds and plug him in and see really good success? Yes, plenty of people believe that.
That's not the same as 1845 yards.

 

[Doomsday101]

Perhaps, but they didn't really miss, per say. They never signed anybody to replace Emmitt. I don't think Jerry or the team ever gave a second thought to replacing him. Jerry wanted to play hardball with him and force him into taking less money. With Murray, I think the situation is different. I think they are willing to let Murray walk. If that happens, I think the Cowboys will either draft or sign a guy who is a good prospect or player and one who fits the Offense. I think it's a different situation with Murray.

Dallas spent money and picks on trying to get a RB and now we have one who has shown he is up to the task in all phases of a RB duty. I have said many time I think he should be rewarded with a contract that will pay out around 24 mill for 4 years, I don't think that is asking a lot and I don't think AP even if he is let go will play for any less. Other back should Murray leave I would have to say Ingram but I would hope a deal can be worked out to keep Murray who I think meshes great with this team on field and in the locker room. Dallas could look to the draft but again playing the position is not just yards, as BP and Jimmy said if a back can't block he is not going to see much action, it is a big part of the job.

 

[rynochop]

Just throw a dart at a guy at a board in the 4th round and done..at least what ive read on here. Not sure why every teams not doing this.

 

[DFWJC]

Well of course his teammates aren't going to say "oh I'm pretty sure Melvin Gordon could rack up 1500 yards behind the OL"

But that wasn't the question anyway...right?
It said "any" back, not possibly the best back in the draft.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Why would anyone say he could? Murray has done it. That's a fact.

Saying anyone else could is nothing but speculative opinion.

I think this is a fair point but I think you also have to point out that any speculation on what Murray might be able to do in following years is also speculation. I mean, I do believe that Murray will continue to have success, if he stays with the team but, Murray has had a history of injuries and has missed time because of those injuries. If you look at the historical side of this, history shows that backs who traditionally have a heavy carry season often follow it up with a poor season. That could also happen.

 

[TrailBlazer]

What are players supposed to say? Yes my teammate can be easily replaced.

LOL at some of you acting like this somehow confirms your beliefs. Towards the end of the season the workload had taken its toll on murray. He's a damn good back but not great like some of you who point to stats like to think. He can't make anyone miss. Seeks out contact rather than getting more yards. RB is not a position to over pay for. If he prices himself outta town, let him go. Find a solid back and the OL will make him look good. RBs are everywhere. We can replace his running ability. It's everything else he does that is hard to find.

Telling statistics. .. Teams that average 2 more yards per attempt rushing than their opponents win 52% of the time. Teams that average 2 more yards per play passing than their opponent win 92% of the time. Don't overpay.

The track record for backs after receiving this many carries is not good.

 

[Fletch]

I agree with both sides. I think Murray was a major catalyst regarding the success achieved this season. I also know that our O-line was equally, if not a little more, the reason why we finally had a reliable running game.

If DM can be retained, I'm all for it because there is something regarding success when it comes down to team chemistry. If not, then I believe Jason and Linehan will make sure the Cowboys find the right replacement at RB, whether he's already on the team, or not.

The running game is key to the Cowboys moving forward on offense. Period.

 

[dragon_mikal]

I think this is a fair point but I think you also have to point out that any speculation on what Murray might be able to do in following years is also speculation. I mean, I do believe that Murray will continue to have success, if he stays with the team but, Murray has had a history of injuries and has missed time because of those injuries. If you look at the historical side of this, history shows that backs who traditionally have a heavy carry season often follow it up with a poor season. That could also happen.

I've nothing against replacing Murray as long as the team gets better overall. Personally I'd like to keep him but I know it may not be possible.

I do know that I don't want to put a rookie back there when the team is in win now mode. If no Murray it needs to be a proven veteran they replace him with. That's just my opinion.