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DeMarco Murray Will Have a Comeback Season

By Perry Lowe

Dec 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray (29) looks on from the sidelines during a break in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray (29) looks on from the sidelines during a break in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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DeMarco Murray joined the Philadelphia Eagles offense last season. He expected to be a contender for the top fantasy running back and continue his dominance. Murray was coming off a historic season in Dallas and joined the Eagles offense that looked quite powerful. This was obviously not the case for Murray or the Eagles offense. After an offseason move sent him to Tennessee Murray has the chance to return to the top-tier of fantasy running backs. The stronger offensive line, run focused offense, and better system all can turn Murray into a comeback player this season.

DeMarco Murray
Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) carries the ball away from San Diego Chargers defensive back Darrell Stuckey (25) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line Upgrades 

The Tennessee Titans offensive line is certainly not close to the Dallas Cowboys line. However they are certainly a large upgrade over Philadelphia’s line. Last season the Eagles offensive line failed to create many gaps for Murray to run through. The Titans line has protected their players better in the past. The Titans used their number eight draft pick on another offensive lineman. This showed they’re commited  to running the ball and protecting Mariota. One of the bigger stories out of Tennessee this offseason has been the commitment to running the ball. The offensive line for the Titans was already a decent unit but adding Conklin to the mix only benefits the value of DeMarco Murray.  

Commitment to the Run

Mariota was quoted saying he would hand the ball of forty times if it won the game for them. This statement may be a bit of an exaggeration but the starting quarterback is buying into the run first offense. Murray has thrived in offenses that wanted to run the ball. Chip Kelly’s system in Philadelphia preferred screen passes and outside runs. This style simply did not fit DeMarco Murray’s play-style and as a result he struggled in Philadelphia. Mike Mularkey’s system focuses on using a running back giving Murray an even more valuable role in the offense.

Verdict

Murray is being selected later in drafts and is worth a pick this season. He could very easily finish as an RB1 if the Titans commit to the run like they are planning. Although Derrick Henry might take some carries away from Murray I still think the large majority will be going with DeMarco. Derrick Henry is the Titans future running back but it seems they are committed to Murray for now. He will not have 1800 yards like he did in Dallas but breaking 1000 should be manageable this season. Murray will also find the end zone much more this season then he did last year. Overall DeMarco Murray will bounce back in my opinion.

Next: DeMarco Murray Will Comeback in 2016

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