Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray didn't have the Eagles debut he was looking for in the team's 26-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football, rushing for only nine yards on eight carries.
In Murray's defense, the Eagles offensive line didn't really help him get going. The Falcons were winning the battle at the line of scrimmage, and head coach Chip Kelly basically abandoned the run game.
Murray should be looking for a more productive game in week two, against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys.
Murray is apparently treating this game just like any other game.
"I'm not worried about it," Murray said. "Like I said this is a game that – it's just week two. No matter who it is, I'm going to do the same thing I've been doing leading up to other weeks. I'm not going to do anything different for my preparations. I'm not trying to go out there and do this or that and be special. We're going to do what we do and run our plays and go from there."
It's somewhat difficult to comprehend that Murray has no emotional ties in this game. He had the best year of his NFL in 2014 with Dallas.
He led the NFL in carries (392), touches (449), rushing yards (1,845), all-purpose yards (2,261) and he was tied with Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch for most rushing touchdowns (13). Additionally, he was selected First Team All-Pro, made his second Pro Bowl appearance, and was named AP Offensive Player of the Year.
The Eagles signed Murray to a five-year, $42 million deal this offseason. Dallas was content with letting Murray walk away, as they needed to save their cap space for players like wide receiver Dez Bryant.
"Not at all," Murray said when he was asked if there was any loved loss for the team that didn't financially value him as much as the Eagles were willing to. "Not from my end, at least. Like I've said, this is a true business and I'm very, so to speak, emotionless when it comes to a lot of things, especially on the business side. I understand the business aspect of the NFL and it's all about finding guys who are right for your system. I feel like, I'm here and this is the best place for me; this is where I want to be; and this is the team that wanted me."
Even without the Murray drama, this game may be pivotal for the Eagles success in 2015.
No matter the situation, the Eagles and Cowboys always go all-out against each other. However, if the Eagles win this week, they will tied with Dallas for NFC East division lead. If the Eagles lose, they will start the season at 0-2 for the first time since 2012 and give the Cowboys an early stranglehold on the division.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
