Is DeMarco Murray Playing Less to Keep His Legs Fresh?

If you ask the Eagles about DeMarco Murray’s lack of playing time, they’ll tell you that they’re just trying to keep his legs fresh. Don’t fall for it though because that’s just positive spin from their side – though I’d expect to hear nothing less from them in regards to Murray. The Murray situation has been a giant distraction all season long.

This is Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s second stint in Philadelphia and he’s seen his share of good running backs in his time. He spoke with Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News and gave his thoughts on the running back situation in Philly.

“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.”

Shurmur continued:

“We’re trying to win football games and we want to put fresh running backs in the game. Period. End of story.”

Thank you, captain obvious.

That sounds all warm and fuzzy, but we all know better. Murray’s issues with the Eagles have been well documented. From the accusations of lack of effort from an anonymous Eagles player to the talks with Jeff Lurie and Chip Kelly to discuss his role on the team, it hasn’t been the best first year for Murray in Philadelphia. Murray is last on the running back depth chart at this point and rumors have followed him all year that he may want to be cut, so that he can play for Dallas again.

The reality of it all is that the Eagles still need Murray to contribute. The Birds are tied for first place in the NFC East. This crazy season can still be salvaged. They’ve won two games in a row and control their own destiny. All they have to do is worry about winning.

So regardless of what has transpired up until today with Murray, the Eagles can still make the Playoffs. That in itself is a miracle.