In the midst of DeMarco Murray’s record-setting start to the season, worry-wart Cowboys fans asked when I thought they should lessen the running back’s workload.
My answer: “Maybe mid-February.”
When you have a hot hand, you play it. And play it some more. Besides, for years, we groused about how the Cowboys should hand Murray the ball more but suddenly now we’re somehow backtracking and wanting the ball out of his hands to keep him healthy?
Nonetheless, perhaps the Cowboys were also concerned about his history of injuries because his workload has recently been lessened. Murray started the season with 20+ carries in seven consecutive games and had four games with 28+ rushes, but hasn’t run more than 19 times the last three. That may be a product of game situation – way behind against Arizona and way ahead against Jacksonville. Or it may be a product of the Cowboys beginning to trust backup Joseph Randle, who had a career-high seven carries for 56 yards against the Jags.
If the goal was to get the NFL’s leading rusher some rest heading into the season’s final six games, then it’s mission accomplished. As long as the Cowboys aren’t sacrificing wins to save Murray’s body, decreasing his workload can only be seen as a plus.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
