Dallas Cowboys’ DeMarco Murray Has Terrific Chance of Breaking Single-Season Rushing Record

By Ryan Ratty @ryanrattyDFW on October 1, 2014

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In the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys decided they wanted run the football more in 2014. To improve that part of their offense, the Cowboys went out and used their first-round pick on Zack Martin instead of Johnny Manziel. By adding Martin to an offensive line that already consisted of Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick, along with a good run blocker in Doug Free, it was expected that DeMarco Murray was going to break out this season.

Although he has a history of injuries, there is no denying Murray’s ability to be an effective running back in the NFL. This was a guy that broke all of Adrian Peterson‘s records at college. With three foundational players in Smith, Frederick and Martin, offensive line coach Bill Callahan has done a great job setting up nice power zone schemes that benefit Murray and this offense.

Even though the Cowboys brought in a pass-happy offensive coordinator in Scott Linehan over the offseason, Linehan said before the season that the offense was going to lean on the run.

While it could very well be because of Tony Romo‘s rustiness coming off his second major back surgery, the Cowboys have given the ball to Murray at will this season and it has worked out for the better. In four consecutive games, Murray has ran the football at least 22 times, rushed for at least 100 yards, and scored at least one touchdown. Not only is the running game working, but by running the ball, the Cowboys are chewing the clock, which is a good thing for the defense because it gives the unit time to rejuvenate and stay fresh.

While Romo had a great game on Sunday, he will continue to get better with more snaps. Regardless, the Cowboys will continue to give the ball to Murray because he has been dominant behind this offensive line. It may sound ludicrous right now, but Murray has a real chance of breaking the single-season rushing record.

Ryan Ratty is a featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RyanRattyNFL or add him to your network on Google.