With the running back position being devalued over recent years, many folks seem to believe DeMarco Murray is replaceable--after all, the Dallas Cowboys have arguably the best offensive line in football.
Former Cowboys offensive coordinator Norv Turner is not one of those folks. He sees massive value in Murray’s presence, not strictly in the yards and touchdowns he registers, but in how he affects the entire offense.
“I mean to me, a guy like DeMarco helps Dez [Bryant] get great matchups,” Turner said, per Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas. “Emmitt Smith helped Michael Irvin get great match-ups. Michael Irvin helped Emmitt get great running looks. The threat makes it tough on defenses.”
These thoughts are not dissimilar to those expressed by Turner’s old backup quarterback, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett. Garrett completely dismissed the notion that Murray was easily replaceable earlier this offseason. And it’s not hard to see why.
Murray broke the aforementioned Emmitt Smith’s franchise record for rushing last season with 1,845 yards. What’s more, Turner thinks the 26-year-old Murray might have plenty of good years ahead of him.
“Certain guys defy [age],” Turner said. “A guy like Marcus Allen, a guy like Emmitt, there’s certain guys who have played well. Terry Allen defied it to me because of his knees. They know how to play and they continue to be productive players past a certain point and they keep going. Frank Gore has done it. Marshawn Lynch has done it. Marshall Faulk did it.”
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