Is it Murray or the O-Line?

[Rob Mexico]

Our offensive line has had 3 out of the past 4 drafts explicitly focused on it with our first pick and the individuals we selected are all exceptionally strong bull rush type of lineman (Smith the only one with great footwork). Our running back is on a contract year and is running harder than he has in the past because every 100 yard game is money in the bank at the end of the year.

I think that is why.

 

[Corso]

I would rather franchise him then sign to a long-term contract if it comes to that.

I hardly disagree, but there is absolutely no way I would sign this guy to anything more than a very reasonable contract-
both due to the replace-ability of the position and his propensity to give the other team an opportunity to score, or just keep the ball away from the offense, or giving the other team an easy opportunity to put a score up on his own team.

4 games in a row.

Think about that.

4 games in a row.
And counting...

 

[Corso]

Our offensive line has had 3 out of the past 4 drafts explicitly focused on it with our first pick and the individuals we selected are all exceptionally strong bull rush type of lineman (Smith the only one with great footwork). Our running back is on a contract year and is running harder than he has in the past because every 100 yard game is money in the bank at the end of the year.

I think that is why.

Free is a footwork guy too.
I know it's easy to forget him unless he's giving away free sacks, but it's true.

 

[50cent]

You don't remove the fumbles when you are making a decision like that.

Well they sure as hell removed those INTs when making that decision with Romo now didn't they?

 

[tm1119]

At this point in the NFL its hard to argue paying any RB....Knile Davis, Taliefaro, Terrence West, Rainey, Stacy, Jeremy Hill, Bernard Pierce, ect...with the way the draft is trending you can pick an extremely talented back in the 4th/5th round any given year. I honestly don't think the market is going to be all that high for Murray given the reasons I stated above so I can see a reasonable deal still being struck after he tests the market.

 

[Corso]

Well they sure as hell removed those INTs when making that decision with Romo now didn't they?

Yes they did, but I wasn't talking about Romo, was I?

 

[50cent]

It's both my dude. Murray was productive behind less and there's no doubt this lline is improved.

 

[CF74]

I think we will see a few Randle drives over the next few weeks. The front-office has to see if he can perform and if they can survive without Murray.

My guess is that Murray pulled rank on him (Ala Witten to Bennett) and said go sit down, I got this...

 

[Rob Mexico]

Free is a footwork guy too.
I know it's easy to forget him unless he's giving away free sacks, but it's true.

I remember the year Free played for his contract extension and was running ten yards down field on lead blocks mowing safeties over. Free has footwork, too bad he's lazy.

 

[50cent]

Yes they did, but I wasn't talking about Romo, was I?

No, you were making an excuse as to why Dallas should lowball or let go Murray when Romo has been twice as turn over prone as Murray.

 

[Corso]

No, you were making an excuse as to why Dallas should lowball or let go Murray when Romo has been twice as turn over prone as Murray.

Oh. That makes so much sense now.
Thank you.

OK- the team should sign Murray to a $15 million/year contract.

You have sure shown me the light.

 

[Corso]

I remember the year Free played for his contract extension and was running ten yards down field on lead blocks mowing safeties over. Free has footwork, too bad he's lazy.

It is sad.
I am very ready to move on from that guy.

 

[Broges74]

You guys are nuts. Murray has already shown he can run the ball. His problem is injuries. Always has been. He was the next great back until injuries and OUs use of the spread offense.

But you don't pay injury prone backs. That's one tough position for fragile guys. Franchise him then let him walk.

 

[Texas_Pete]

Can we draft Melvin Gordon in the 4th round? I really like that kid out of Wisconsin.

If so, I'd be willing to part ways with Murray. He's my dude, but his fumbles are killing me.

 

[JonJon]

I think the OL helps, but let's not take anything away from Murray. He has averaged over 5 yards per carry in 3 of 4 years, including the current year.

2011: 5.5 YPC
2012: 4.1 YPC
2013: 5.2 YPC
2014: 5.1 YPC

He didn't have the best of lines in previous years, but still managed to get it done.

 

[Craig]

Murray didnt suddenly get better, so in that regard its the o line. Id say murray is definitely a top 10 back when healthy though.

 

[cowboys1981]

I'll go with Oline. These guys are pushing some good linemen around. If I'm not mistaken the first three opponents have a good d line.

 

[Wood]

After watching this game I had two thoughts - 1) this defense looked a heck of a lot better with McClain. 2) Is it DeMarco Murray's individual running prowess that has made our ground game so effective this season, or is it our vastly improved offensive line?

This is a key question our front office must be asking themselves over the next few weeks. If Murray is the reason we are having such success, than we must lock him up to a long-term contract. If it is the offensive line, we should not only not lock up Murray but we should perhaps explore our options of trading him (after the season, of course ) by way of franchise tagging him and then sending him packing, and if he continues this production (meaning he tops 2K total yards, receiving + rushing) a 2nd round pick, and dare I say a 1st round pick is entirely feasible to get in return for him.

the answer is just look at Randle. Dallas OL is making him look like a starter (which he isn't). Williams (practice squad) would even be successful behind this line.

 

[Jenky]

I think the OL helps, but let's not take anything away from Murray. He has averaged over 5 yards per carry in 3 of 4 years, including the current year.

2011: 5.5 YPC
2012: 4.1 YPC
2013: 5.2 YPC
2014: 5.1 YPC

He didn't have the best of lines in previous years, but still managed to get it done.

In previous years, I remember Murray having to dance in the backfield just to gain some positive yardage.

 

[Jenky]

the answer is just look at Randle. Dallas OL is making him look like a starter (which he isn't). Williams (practice squad) would even be successful behind this line.

I like Randle, but by this logic, why can't Dunbar be? If Murray went down, Dunbar would probably be 3rd on totem pole to fill his spot.