Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray was quite the diplomat yesterday when talking about his lack of carries and the team’s struggles this season.
“At the end of the day, you’ve got a position to make the playoffs, and that’s what a lot of people’s focus is on,” Murray said via Philly.com. “I can’t worry about how many plays I’m getting and things of that nature. I can only control what I can control, and whenever I get in, I just have to make the best of it. … I like opportunities.”
Murray went on to say how blessed he is to have the opportunity to play in the NFL, to have good health, a beautiful family, and he has no complaints at the end of the day.
Wait… Isn’t this the same DeMarco Murray who reportedly complained to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie about his reduced role following an upset win over the New England Patriots earlier this month? The same player who rushed for just 24 yards on nine carries in the 35-28 victory? Shouldn’t he be popping off about getting the ball only twice for a grand total of three yards in a 40-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday night?
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why Murray’s role has been reduced. He has 176 carries for 606 yards and only four touchdowns. That’s not quite the production the Eagles had in mind when they signed him to a five-year, $42 million contract, after he rushed for 1,845 yards and 13 TD’s for the Dallas Cowboys last season.
Has Murray changed his tune and suddenly become coach Chip Kelly’s best buddy? Not likely.
But as bad as things have been for the Eagles this season, the playoffs are still within reach if they knock off the Washington Redskins and New York Giants in their final two games.
Privately, Murray may still be stewing over his role. But publicly, he’s finally playing it smart, and perhaps has resigned himself to his fate. The best way for him to get more opportunities is to start producing results when given those chances.