While it looks like Chip Kelly’s investment in Sam Bradford is paying off, the other major off-season backfield acquisition, DeMarco Murray continues to struggle to get touches. But if you ask offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, this is all a part of the plan:
“We have what we believe to be four really good running backs. So we want to use them all. If you put a really good player in the game and he’s fresher as you go, then you get a little bit more out of him.”
While that maybe the case, Murray did lead the league in both yards from scrimmage and rushing last year. Murray is also earning a hefty salary in a contract stuffed with guaranteed money.
Shurmur continued.
“When you have a featured back, and that’s the unintended consequence of saying you only have one guy, then that guy takes a lot of pounding and a lot of wear and tear,”
That he’s right about. Leading the league in scrimmage also meant he led the league in touches (449). But Murray is 27, the perfect time in his career to shoulder the load in the backfield. So what is Pat Shurmur really trying to say here?
Murray’s frustrations are well documented, even teasing the idea of returning to division rival Dallas in the future. When you’ve got your eyes set on another destination with $18 million in guaranteed money coming your way, it’s clear that the system isn’t working for you.
One of many criticisms of Chip Kelly is how he handles the different cultures of his locker room. It seems clear he and Murray haven’t seen eye to eye. However, if Kelly plans on leading the Eagles to another playoff berth, he needs Murray to be the Murray of old.
