NFL: Surprises And Disappointments In The First Half
Surprise: Dallas Cowboys
Much like the Chicago Bears, the Dallas Cowboys had a terrible defense last season. In the offseason, they LOST key players through free agency. Then in training camp, they lost more key players due to injury. This was going to be a long, treacherous season for America’s team.
In order to help the defense, the Cowboys decided to keep them off the field as much as possible. Enter DeMarco Murray.
After spending the last three seasons passing at about 60 percent of their total plays, this season the Cowboys have split their runs/passes ratio to 50-50.
Murray answered the call magnificently. He has rushed for over 100 yards in all eight games, setting the NFL record. He also has his eyes on another record, the single season rushing record of 2,105 yards. At the halfway point, Murray has 1,054 yards. He is averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
Murray’s running has also taken pressure off of quarterback Tony Romo. Having the ball less in Romo’s hands has kept him from doing what Cutler has been doing — making bad decisions at the worst time.
It remains to be seen if Murray can keep up the pace. He has a history of injuries, but he has yet to suffer any this season. He is on pace to have 412 carries, so the Cowboys hold their breath with every run.
Murray has also fumbled away the ball. He has fumbled five times and lost all of them. If he continues fumbling, that will stop drives, and that suspect defense will spend more time on the field.
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