After making the run game a priority in the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys have backed away from that aspect of the offense dramatically. While DeMarco Murray continues to prove that he can be a game changer, head coach Jason Garrett has yet to allow the running back to take the reigns of the offense. However, is the head coach the reason or is there something else brewing?
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that a feud is brewing between quarterback Tony Romo and Murray. The running back is reportedly frustrated with the way Romo has been managing each game and while the quarterback got the team a crucial Week 16 win, Murray is not happy.
"DeMarco Murray, their star running back, grumbled to teammates about not getting the ball enough," Rapoport said on NFL Network's "NFL GameDay Morning." "He doesn't understand why Romo always seems to choose pass instead of run. ... The relationship between Romo and Murray is frosty, a little bit of a growing rift there. It's surprising that some pettiness should creep in at a crucial point of the season, but that's what's happening."
The stats certainly work in Murray's favor. The Cowboys have the second-fewest rushing attempts per game this season. However, Murray has the second-highest yards per rush amongst running backs this season. So why is he not getting used? Murray was finally given a chance agains the Redskins and repaid the ream with 111 yards and two scores including the game winner. A pass from Romo got the win despite the original play call being a run.
"The idea was to run the ball and make them use the clock," Garrett said, via ESPNDallas.com "Run it, and then if we have to throw it, throw high percentage passes to keep the clock going and make them use their timeouts. Tony threw a pass on what we call a smoke - or a flash - that we have accompanying runs if he gets a bad look. That's what happened on the interception. It was a run call that he threw the ball on."
When it all boils down, winning makes everyone happy. Yes, the Cowboys have abandoned the run all season, leaving Murray no chance to prove his worth. however, against Philadelphia, he might get more shots. Romo is uncertain after a back injury making Murray very important.
