PFT: LBer Murray sees Eberflus' defense as a "great fit" for him

Hawkeye0202

Hawkeye0202

Well-Known Member
Messages
29,424
Reaction score
52,825
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profo...lls-matt-eberflus-defense-a-great-fit-for-him

Kenneth Murray calls Matt Eberflus’ defense “a great fit” for him​


Published June 6, 2025 03:22 PM



Murray is working at Overshown’s weakside linebacker spot in new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ scheme.

“I think it’s a great fit,” Murray said, via Clarence Hill of All City DLLS. “I’ve been enjoying myself, obviously transitioning over from being traded and getting up to speed and stuff like that. Lot of things work to my strengths, coming down hill, playing the coverage, stuff like that. It’s been good. It’s been great being here during the offseason program, getting around the guys and just trying to come in and establish a culture and get better every day.”

Maybe his starting job to lose

The Cowboys have Murray making the defensive calls over middle linebacker Jack Sanborn, who followed Eberflus from Chicago.
Murray had 95 tackles and a career-high 3.5 sacks with Tennessee last season when he started 14 games.
 
Hawkeye0202 said:
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profo...lls-matt-eberflus-defense-a-great-fit-for-him

Kenneth Murray calls Matt Eberflus’ defense “a great fit” for him​


Published June 6, 2025 03:22 PM



Murray is working at Overshown’s weakside linebacker spot in new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ scheme.

“I think it’s a great fit,” Murray said, via Clarence Hill of All City DLLS. “I’ve been enjoying myself, obviously transitioning over from being traded and getting up to speed and stuff like that. Lot of things work to my strengths, coming down hill, playing the coverage, stuff like that. It’s been good. It’s been great being here during the offseason program, getting around the guys and just trying to come in and establish a culture and get better every day.”

Maybe his starting job to lose

The Cowboys have Murray making the defensive calls over middle linebacker Jack Sanborn, who followed Eberflus from Chicago.
Murray had 95 tackles and a career-high 3.5 sacks with Tennessee last season when he started 14 games.
Click to expand...
That's where I was figuring he would play. WLB allows him to use his speed to get to the ball. It is the playmaking position at linebacker because the DL is supposed to keep blockers off of him.

I thought Sanborn was a better fit at MLB. He's more of a work-hard, try-hard guy who is going to fight through blocks.

I had thought since Murray was making the defensive calls, we had him at MLB. I like hearing that he's at WLB.
 
Last edited:
Pass2Run said:
95 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Why is everyone insisting he was so bad? His PFF grade?

Those aren't terrible numbers..
Click to expand...
I think that speaks to his athleticism. When he sees the play, sees the ball, he can get to it. His problem is that he can get caught out of position both against the run and the pass because his instincts are poor.

I believe Eberflus's scheme is less reliant on instincts, though. He wants players to flow where the defensive call tells them to be, so they are not thinking as much and just carrying out their assignment. Maybe that's why we have him making the defensive calls, so he has to know where he is supposed to be and will use his speed to get there instead of either hesitating or getting out of position.
 
Thing is, I also think WLB is Overshown's best position in this scheme, so it will be interesting to see what we do when he comes back. Of course, if Murray is playing at a high level then, it will be a good problem to have.
 
Pass2Run said:
I want you to, if that counts.
Click to expand...
Murray is excited about his role with the Titans.

“Honestly, when you just know they’re putting you in a position to go down and just wreck stuff and wreck s--t, that’s what I love,” said Murray. “I definitely felt they put me in that position, and I’m definitely coming in with the mindset of trying to prove s--t. I’m trying to get s--t done. I love it. Love the way they’re calling it so far and look forward to getting better every day.”

https://titanswire.usatoday.com/sto...an-take-defense-to-another-level/74597770007/
 
gimmesix said:
I think that speaks to his athleticism. When he sees the play, sees the ball, he can get to it. His problem is that he can get caught out of position both against the run and the pass because his instincts are poor.

I believe Eberflus's scheme is less reliant on instincts, though. He wants players to flow where the defensive call tells them to be, so they are not thinking as much and just carrying out their assignment. Maybe that's why we have him making the defensive calls, so he has to know where he is supposed to be and will use his speed to get there instead of either hesitating or getting out of position.
Click to expand...
Keep in mind, Kendrick had over 125 tackles last season. Since you are not bringing him back, someone has to cover his tackles. As mentioned above, Murray's 95 tackles last season are actually decent numbers.
 
Pass2Run said:
95 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Why is everyone insisting he was so bad? His PFF grade?

Those aren't terrible numbers..
Click to expand...
Probably because those stats don't tell everything, it's kind of like someone throwing for almost 5k yards in a season, and having a low number if INT's only to get to the playoffs and look like they've never played football before
 
Interestingly, his last two seasons have been the best of his career ( except the rookie season), yet he's played on two different teams. He was voted team captain for the Titans last season. It sounds like he was brought here as a cheap replacement for Kendrick, with a higher ceiling and has one year to earn a long-term offer/extension.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MurrKe00.htm

BTW......He's another high-character player, the same as Solomon Thomas.
 
Calling the plays could be a way to get Murray up to speed on the calls and the scheme. It could also indicate Sanborn will be off the field on passing downs. My question is where is Liaufa lined up at? I would guess Flus is building Liufau to play MLB to pair with Overshown in the future.

Hopefully, Murray and Sanborn show out, so the depth and quality of play at LB is the best we've seen in years.
 
CCBoy said:
I love a linebacker who mumbles: 'beep, beep, my arse ... I want some meat!':thumbup:
Click to expand...
Pass2Run said:
Not that there's anything wrong with that, CCBoy.
Click to expand...
Yup, I caught that too .......CCboi's latent tendencies are coming out and like you said, " not that there's anything wrong with that"

The CZ is an accepting site that welcomes all types of flamboyant lifestyles
 
Pass2Run said:
95 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Why is everyone insisting he was so bad? His PFF grade?

Those aren't terrible numbers..
Click to expand...
The knock on him has been his recognition skills. Athletically he is amazing. If this D allows him to play full speed it will work out great, potentially.
 
Like I said, I’ve been a fan of Murray since his days at OU.

He’s at his best when he’s tasked with following a limited number of keys and being allowed to make a read and go.

The problem with that is this is a new era of presnap motion and misdirection which is anathema to his playing style.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Staff online

Members online

... and 16 more.
Total: 756 (members: 116, guests: 640)

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
465,773
Messages
13,897,353
Members
23,793
Latest member
Roger33
Back
Top