Too many important loose ends right now

[KJJ]

No I don't want to argue that. That isn't why I visit this forum.

Yes Murray and the Cowboys team had a good rushing offense year last year. But that doesn't make Murray an elite player.

What makes Murray an elite player was his league leading and franchise record 1845 rushing yards that out distanced his competition by over 500 yards. The Cowboys had the #2 rushing offense in the NFL due to Murray carrying the ball a franchise record 392 times. Murray practically carried the entire rushing load and he's the #1 reason the Cowboys had not only a good rushing offense but a great rushing offense which earned him 2 MVP votes. Murray accounted for almost 2300 all purpose yards and never in franchise history has a Cowboys team ever depended on a back more than the 2014 team depended on Murray. Had he not missed games due to injury his first 3 seasons and not been hampered by several nagging injuries that affected his performance he would have reached elite status before the 2014 season.

He showed his rookie year rushing for a franchise record 253 yards behind a transitioning OL that he had some special qualities. In only 4 seasons in Dallas he broke 2 of Emmitt's franchise records. Murray has developed into an elite player and it's not even debatable. I don't know what your definition of "elite" is but if he didn't look like an elite player to you last season than your definition of "elite" must be unattainable. The definition of "elite" is a select part of a "group" that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities. Murray is clearly one of the top 3-4 backs in the league that makes him one of the elite players at his position. An RB doesn't receive the contract he did if he's not one of the elite players at his position. Last season he was the absolute best player at his position.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

I just cannot remember such a dichotomy (I learnt that word last nite in remedial language classe): The offense is so tantalizingly good. The defense is such a question mark.

I just cannot wait for the season to begin.
Go Cowboys! All the way to the poppermost of the toppermost and the Super Bowl!!!

 

[CowboyRoy]

There's a lot of truth to that but when you have a truly special talent I think you do what you can to retain that player through his prime.

WIth Dez he's never really covered. The defense can do everything right and still give up the score with Dez Bryant on the field. That's special.

Yah, I agree, but you cant simply pay these guys crazy money if they want it. And I am also a believer that if you have a good QB, then he can make a lot of receivers special. As Romo has done.

At what point do you say its too much money. My number is over like 14 million per year. That Megatron deal was one of the dumbest I have ever seen and its created the market.

 

[KJJ]

I think that McFadden could almost certainly have made more money if he wanted to. At least this upcoming season. I think the reason he took less money and the reason he agreed to a heavily incentive based contract is because he knows that this is probably his best, last chance to accomplish the kind of career goals he probably envisioned for himself. He is running behind one of the very best OLs in Football. He is playing alongside one of the best QBs, TEs and WRs in the NFL. The opportunity for him is golden and he understands this IMO. With this talent, he can parley a good season into more money down the road and possibly (and probably more importantly) a chance at a Championship. That's just my opinion but I think it's probably pretty close to the truth.

I don't believe he could have made more money based off receiving no interest as a free agent following the 2013 season which forced him to sign a one year deal with the Raiders. No one goes back to the Raiders unless they have no choice. The season he had in 2013 averaging only 3.4 a carry certainly didn't raise his stock any and it ended up putting him on the street. Like I pointed out there wasn't a team in the league that needed an RB more than the Cowboys after Murray departed and Jerry has always liked McFadden.

There were reports in 08 that Jerry was considering trying to trade up for him. It's Jerry affection for McFadden along with their Arkansas connection and Murray's departure that makes me feel certain the Cowboys offer was the best offer McFadden got or would have got had he waited. For him to get offered more money than the Cowboys offered a team would have needed to have the same need at RB the Cowboys did and no one did. The Cowboys have a run first offense not many of those in the league and losing their top rusher made McFadden a priority that no other team would have had.

 

[CowboyRoy]

We have a bad track record of over paying like with Roy Williams, TO and what-was his name from Seattle we traded for for 2 #1s.

I'm just thinking Dez is a high-risk guy to sign to such a big deal

His back has been problem since coming in the league and it's just a matter of time before he goes out for a good amount of time..

and we get stuck with it.

I'd prefer we groom another WR if it was feasible..

most won't agree like many didn't on letting Murray go.

But I think we need to be very conservative going forward.

You also have to decide what type of offense you are going to be. If we are going to be more of a running football team, then that is your identity and you have to go that way. You cant be paying all the passing people monster money if your going to pound the ball. Romo wont be around in 3 years and then what are you going to do? That money may be wasted on Dez when your going to need to pound it more then ever.

 

[jnday]

That lack of interest in McFadden was largely because (1) most teams are set at running back, and (2) the league doesn't value running backs, especially older ones with an injury history.

Dallas got a hometown discount. He wants to play close to home, and he wants a shot behind that line. If this doesn't resurrect his career, then it's over.

I think the draft proved that most teams are not set at RB and teams are starting to value the position more. DMac was available because he is nothing more than an below average/average RB with injury problems. There is not much demand for those types of players.

 

[KJJ]

You also have to decide what type of offense you are going to be. If we are going to be more of a running football team, then that is your identity and you have to go that way. You cant be paying all the passing people monster money if your going to pound the ball.

Not having a big threat at WR can affect the running game. If all defenses have to do is stack the box against the run and not have to worry about a big receiving threat you're going to be in trouble.

 

[erod]

I think the draft proved that most teams are not set at RB and teams are starting to value the position more. DMac was available because he is nothing more than an below average/average RB with injury problems. There is not much demand for those types of players.

I think it's because the quality of quarterbacks being produced in college these days is pathetic. They can't run pro offenses after doing that high school spread crap for too long.

Running is a better option these days.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

What makes Murray an elite player was his league leading and franchise record 1845 rushing yards that out distanced his competition by over 500 yards. The Cowboys had the #2 rushing offense in the NFL due to Murray carrying the ball a franchise record 392 times. Murray practically carried the entire rushing load and he's the #1 reason the Cowboys had not only a good rushing offense but a great rushing offense which earned him 2 MVP votes. Murray accounted for almost 2300 all purpose yards and never in franchise history has a Cowboys team ever depended on a back more than the 2014 team depended on Murray. Had he not missed games due to injury his first 3 seasons and not been hampered by several nagging injuries that affected his performance he would have reached elite status before the 2014 season.

He showed his rookie year rushing for a franchise record 253 yards behind a transitioning OL that he had some special qualities. In only 4 seasons in Dallas he broke 2 of Emmitt's franchise records. Murray has developed into an elite player and it's not even debatable. I don't know what your definition of "elite" is but if he didn't look like an elite player to you last season than your definition of "elite" must be unattainable. The definition of "elite" is a select part of a "group" that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities. Murray is clearly one of the top 3-4 backs in the league that makes him one of the elite players at his position. An RB doesn't receive the contract he did if he's not one of the elite players at his position. Last season he was the absolute best player at his position.

Murray had a really good year. He isn't an elite player. Why can't people understand that?

 

[KJJ]

Murray had a really good year. He isn't an elite player. Why can't people understand that?

He developed into one of the elite backs in the league last season if you and a few others choose to be in denial that's fine with me. The Cowboys haven't had a player in years who was as dominant at their position as Murray in 2014.

 

[BigStar]

I just cannot remember such a dichotomy (I learnt that word last nite in remedial language classe): The offense is so tantalizingly good. The defense is such a question mark.

I just cannot wait for the season to begin.
Go Cowboys! All the way to the poppermost of the toppermost and the Super Bowl!!!

This is the No Fun Forum Stop being witty, etc. Tards get rewarded, not smats...

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Murray had a really good year. He isn't an elite player. Why can't people understand that?

Because maybe the meaning of the word "elite" has lost it's value?

Very good player. Special year under unique circumstances. Not elite. Gone.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Not having a big threat at WR can affect the running game. If all defenses have to do is stack the box against the run and not have to worry about a big receiving threat you're going to be in trouble.

Yah, having a big time receiver is a good thing. But the passing game can be effective without one. Seattle doesnt have one and they do just fine. You can argue that Brady doesnt have one. A good TE helps if you dont. Great QB's make great receivers in my opinion. If Dez is going to command 16 to 18 million per year, then I would trade him. You dont need a top 5 receiver in the NFL to have a great offense.

 

[CowboyRoy]

What makes Murray an elite player was his league leading and franchise record 1845 rushing yards that out distanced his competition by over 500 yards. The Cowboys had the #2 rushing offense in the NFL due to Murray carrying the ball a franchise record 392 times. Murray practically carried the entire rushing load and he's the #1 reason the Cowboys had not only a good rushing offense but a great rushing offense which earned him 2 MVP votes. Murray accounted for almost 2300 all purpose yards and never in franchise history has a Cowboys team ever depended on a back more than the 2014 team depended on Murray. Had he not missed games due to injury his first 3 seasons and not been hampered by several nagging injuries that affected his performance he would have reached elite status before the 2014 season.

He showed his rookie year rushing for a franchise record 253 yards behind a transitioning OL that he had some special qualities. In only 4 seasons in Dallas he broke 2 of Emmitt's franchise records. Murray has developed into an elite player and it's not even debatable. I don't know what your definition of "elite" is but if he didn't look like an elite player to you last season than your definition of "elite" must be unattainable. The definition of "elite" is a select part of a "group" that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities. Murray is clearly one of the top 3-4 backs in the league that makes him one of the elite players at his position. An RB doesn't receive the contract he did if he's not one of the elite players at his position. Last season he was the absolute best player at his position.

Murray isn t elite in my opinion. He had an elite season, but that is just one in 4. The rest of the seasons were injury riddled. And when there werent big holes, he didnt do much. Granted, Garrett let him rot on the bench the first 3 years while he rolled out his pass happy offense, but Murray still got hurt. I completely agree that he leaves too much meat on the bone out there. Without the best run blocking line in the NFL, murray wouldnt be close to elite. I am really looking forward to this season and taking a look at the results both with Murray and the Cowboys run game. It will tell a lot about the theories of Oline vs the RB.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Murray had a really good year. He isn't an elite player. Why can't people understand that?

It really is mystifying. He had one great season in 4 and the rest were big disappointments. Its amazing how people only see what is right in front of them and forget the past so quickly.

 

[CowboyRoy]

He developed into one of the elite backs in the league last season if you and a few others choose to be in denial that's fine with me. The Cowboys haven't had a player in years who was as dominant at their position as Murray in 2014.

Developed? No, he just finally got the opportunity from a real OC and that opportunity came behind the best run blocking Oline in football.

Any good RB with 400 carries could have easily gotten 1600 yards last year behind our line. Murray is a very good back, but his is injury prone and does not have elite vision or elite speed.

These are Cowboy fans you are arguing with here bub. If Murray was really a cant miss back, they would have resigned him.

 

[big dog cowboy]

The Cowboys haven't had a player in years who was as dominant at their position as Murray in 2014.

Still doesn't make him elite.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I don't believe he could have made more money based off receiving no interest as a free agent following the 2013 season which forced him to sign a one year deal with the Raiders. No one goes back to the Raiders unless they have no choice. The season he had in 2013 averaging only 3.4 a carry certainly didn't raise his stock any and it ended up putting him on the street. Like I pointed out there wasn't a team in the league that needed an RB more than the Cowboys after Murray departed and Jerry has always liked McFadden.

There were reports in 08 that Jerry was considering trying to trade up for him. It's Jerry affection for McFadden along with their Arkansas connection and Murray's departure that makes me feel certain the Cowboys offer was the best offer McFadden got or would have got had he waited. For him to get offered more money than the Cowboys offered a team would have needed to have the same need at RB the Cowboys did and no one did. The Cowboys have a run first offense not many of those in the league and losing their top rusher made McFadden a priority that no other team would have had.

I understand you don't believe that. I do not share that opinion. He's better, IMO, then many are giving him credit for but at the end of the day, neither opinion can be substantiated and how good or bad he will be remains to be seen. We will know soon enough.

 

[DallasEast]

Elite.

Rushing yards per season
Emmitt Smith: 937 yards (1990/10th), 1,563 yards (1991/1st), 1,713 yards (1992/1st), 1,486 (1993/1st)
Demarco Murray: 897 yards (2011/22nd), 663 yards (2012/29th), 1,121 yards (2013/10th), 1,845 (2014/1st)

Emmitt Smith. Elite player. Demarco Murray. Elite player.

Murray? Really?

Single game rushing records
Demarco Murray: 253 yards (beats Emmitt Smith's 237 yard single game record)
Timmy Smith: 204 yards (beats Marcus Allen 191 yard Super Bowl record)

Emmitt Smith and Marcus Allen. Elite players. Demarco Murray and Timmy Smith. Elite players.

Timmy Smith is an elite player for surpassing a rare single game rushing record. Murray accomplished a similar feat, so logically...

Murray? Really?

Single season rushing titles in first four years of career
Emmitt Smith: 3
Demarco Murray: 1

(We interrupt some nutty post by some guy named DallasEast for an important trivia question!)

Did you know in his third year as a pro, the Nigerian Nightmare, known as Christian Okoye, led the league in rushing with 1,480 yards? Young posters may be asking, "Who the heck is Okoye?" The Nigerian Nightmare was

(We will now return to that nutty post created by some guy named DallasEast.)

Demarco Murray ran past all four single season rushing records set by Emmitt Smith with 1,845 yards.

Once.

Emmitt Smith. Elite player. Demarco Murray. Elite player.

Murray? Really?

 

[Cover 2]

What makes Murray an elite player was his league leading and franchise record 1845 rushing yards that out distanced his competition by over 500 yards. The Cowboys had the #2 rushing offense in the NFL due to Murray carrying the ball a franchise record 392 times. Murray practically carried the entire rushing load and he's the #1 reason the Cowboys had not only a good rushing offense but a great rushing offense which earned him 2 MVP votes. Murray accounted for almost 2300 all purpose yards and never in franchise history has a Cowboys team ever depended on a back more than the 2014 team depended on Murray. Had he not missed games due to injury his first 3 seasons and not been hampered by several nagging injuries that affected his performance he would have reached elite status before the 2014 season.

He showed his rookie year rushing for a franchise record 253 yards behind a transitioning OL that he had some special qualities. In only 4 seasons in Dallas he broke 2 of Emmitt's franchise records. Murray has developed into an elite player and it's not even debatable. I don't know what your definition of "elite" is but if he didn't look like an elite player to you last season than your definition of "elite" must be unattainable. The definition of "elite" is a select part of a "group" that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities. Murray is clearly one of the top 3-4 backs in the league that makes him one of the elite players at his position. An RB doesn't receive the contract he did if he's not one of the elite players at his position. Last season he was the absolute best player at his position.

In 2012

Alfred Morris: 1,613 yards and 13 TD's

Is Alfred Morris elite, or did he just put up elite production?