DeMarco Murray becomes third player to open the season with five 100+ yard games
By Mike Marteny
Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is having a great start to the 2014 NFL season. With Murray now over 100 yards again Sunday against the Houston Texans, that gives him five straight games of 100 or more rushing yards to open the season. Only two other running backs have ever done that in NFL history. Jim Brown was the first to do so in 1958. O.J. Simpson was the only person to accomplish it twice. He did it in both the 1973 and 1975 seasons.
More from Dallas Cowboys
- 3 Cowboys who won’t be on the roster after training camp
- Stephen Jones poorly tried to justify Cowboys’ negotiations with Tony Pollard
- Cowboys: Jerry Jones puts the pressure on Dak Prescott
- Cowboys give a masterclass in defense construction with Trevon Diggs extension
- Ranking the Cowboys top training camp priorities after Zack Martin mess
39 years later, this exclusive club has added another member. Just think of all of the great backs since then that have never done this. How about Eric Dickerson in 1984? Or Barry Sanders in 1997? Or Emmitt Smith behind the best offensive line in NFL history in the mid 90’s? Or even Adrian Peterson during his 2,000 yard rushing season? None of them did it.
Sanders is the record holder for most consecutive 100 yards games with 14 set in weeks 3-17 of the 1997 season.
Everyone knew that Murray could be a productive back if he could ever stay healthy. He is proving that with his start to the 2014 season.
Both of Simpson’s streaks ended in week six of 1973 and 1975. James Brown started with six straight 100 yard games in 1958, making him the record holder for most 100+ yard rushing games to open a season.
Murray’s chances of extending his streak beyond five are not favorable. The Cowboys have to play the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle next Sunday, and the Seahawks have one of the best defenses in the NFL. If Murray makes it past five, it shows that he is likely the best back in the league right now.
More from FanSided.com
Aaron Hernandez ballin in jail
Dez Bryant not sure how to celebrate TD
Jets-Chargers inactives
Fitzpatrick almost loses pants
Maclin TD