The word fun was not one to be associated with DeMarco Murray’s one-and-done season as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Though, a change of scenery has Murray looking forward to playing with one of the NFL’s more-talented young quarterback in Marcus Mariota, according to Jim Wyatt of the team’s official website:
“I think we can have a lot of fun. Obviously he can zip it, he can throw it. He is an exciting young player and has all the tools needed to be successful in this league.”
After signing a five-year, $40 million contract in Philly last March, Murray realized the grass isn’t always greener where the money is flowing.
Disgruntled after a depressing season with the Eagles that saw the running back barely scrounge up a total of 1,024 yards and seven touchdowns, Murray successfully managed to cut his ties with the Eagles by orchestrating a deal to the Titans.
Murray also talked about his plans to lighten the load for Mariota:
“I think it will be important for me to come in and take a little pressure off of him, and kind of cause guys to come in the box and open some things up and help protect him, and keep him upright. I don’t want him to have to feel like he has to throw the ball 35 to 40 times in order for us to win.”
Over the course of 12 games, Mariota attempted an average of 30.9 passes per game. He successfully completed 62.2 percent of them. Though, winning was where the Titans once again fell short, finishing with a league-worst 3-13 record.
Arriving to Tennessee, Murray should be an immediate improvement over the likes of Bishop Sankey and David Cobb, both of whom failed miserably in the Titans’ rushing attack last season. Between the two backs, they totaled only 342 rushing yards and two rushing scores.
If Murray even comes close to the production that some him win the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award in 2014, he will certainly help the Titans improve off their three-win 2015 campaign.