NFL 2016: Top 5 running backs at midseason
By mdelaney
2. DeMarco Murray
A year ago DeMarco Murray was at a crossroads. He quickly lost his footing in Chip Kelly’s high-speed offense and was buried behind the likes of an injury-prone Ryan Mathews and a speedy Darren Sproles on the depth chart. A change in scenery to the hapless Tennessee Titans seemed like a money grab and a desperate attempt to feel important on a roster all in one move.
Surprisingly, Murray has appeared anything but desperate in the Titans’ first 10 games. Eight touchdowns on the ground to go with two receiving touchdowns and even a passing touchdown in yesterday’s win over the Green Bay Packers has Murray on pace for a career year in terms of finding the end zone. Add in that Murray’s producing almost five yards per carry (4.9) and he’s on the fast track for the best single-season rusher the Titans have seen since Chris Johnson’s 2009 lightning-in-the-bottle season.
What’s more is the effect Murray has had on the passing attack. By being able to depend on DeMarco for chunks of yards anytime he gets the ball, it’s taken the pressure off of second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota. That does wonders for a young gunslinger who’s trying to find some ground to stand on in the league. Clearly, the results have been positive as a Mariota has a legendary red zone stat line to start his career: 25 touchdowns and NO interceptions.
Some of those touchdowns came in Mariota’s Murray-less rookie season, but that only means he’ll continue to trend upward. DeMarco has shown he can operate when the front five can get a hold on their guys. Tennessee’s strong line coupled with Murray’s hard-running and now coinciding with Mariota’s growth under center are assembling a perfect storm for the typically lowly Titans. Teams are on notice: the Tennessee is legit, and it’s Murray infusion into the roster that’s helped them bridge the gap from contender to pretender.