DeMarco Murray isn’t hyping up this game.
It’s week two of the 2015 NFL season. That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. He’s just going to go out there and run. Never mind the fact that he’s facing his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, or that his debut in a Philadelphia Eagles uniform was less-than-ideal last week. This is any other game.
Really.
“I’m not looking at it as facing the Cowboys. I’m going through my normal routine, my normal preparation and not trying to do anything extra to worry about anything I don’t have to worry about. Just preparing like I always prepare for any other game,” Murray told The Dallas Morning News earlier this week.
Fair enough. That doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t excited for the rematch. After all, Murray’s move from Dallas to Philadelphia, and the $42 million contract that went with it, was considered one of the league’s biggest offseason storylines. Murray was a major reason why Dallas won the NFC east last season and the Cowboys have yet to find a replacement for him in the backfield, opting to play running back by committee this season.
Sure, it’s a normal game. Just another NFC east matchup between rivals. Absolutely. Kickoff for this very normal game is slated for 4:25 p.m. ET. Here’s everything you need to know about the faceoff:
The Basics
Who:
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
When:
Sunday, September 20, 4:25 p.m. ET
Channel:
The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call.
Where:
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Line:
Eagles -4.5 via Oddsshark
Last Meeting:
Dallas 38, Philadelphia 27 on December 14, 2014 in Philadelphia
Scouting the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys brought in former Oakland WR Brice Butler this week after Dez Bryant’s injury. (Getty)
Brice Butler, met Dallas. Dallas, met Brice Butler.
After news broke that Dez Bryant’s broken foot would likely keep him sidelined for eight to 12 weeks instead of the originally projected four to six, the Cowboys responded by trading for wide receiver Brice Butler. But who exactly is the brand-new option for Tony Romo?
The former Oakland Raiders wideout was selected with the No. 209 overall selection in the 2013 Draft after recording 347 yards receiving and four touchdowns at San Diego State in 2012. Butler has been touted for his “athletic upside” throughout his pro career and while there have certainly been flashes of that, injuries have played their part in keeping him from reaching his full potential. Still, from weeks 4-6 last season, Butler racked up 149 yards and a touchdown on just six catches.
Don’t expect Butler to make an immediate jump into the Cowboys starting lineup, but don’t be surprised if Dallas uses him as more than just a reserve or safety net. If he can make some big-time plays, and showcase that “athletic upside,” from the get-go, Butler could see a good amount of snaps.
Scouting the Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles RB DeMarco Murray had an up-and-down debut with his new team last week, despite notching a pair of touchdowns. (Getty)
It was a tale of two halves and a disappointing final drive for Philadelphia Eagles last week.
After an unexpectedly slow start to the offense in the opening 30 minutes, the Eagles started the third quarter with a collective fire under them. Sam Bradford looked more relaxed, the offensive line started to open up the run game and DeMarco Murray found the end zone twice.
“The second half was a blast,” Bradford told ESPN earlier this week. “Once we got things rolling and we took the lead, I don’t know if I’ve been that excited in a long time. It’s good to get that feeling. Now maybe next week, we can start a little faster.”
But while there were late-game positives, there were still plenty of negatives, including a fourth quarter Bradford interception that shut down the Eagles comeback attempt. Murray, who finished the first half with -9 rushing yards, ended the game with just eight yards on the ground. Last season, he had at least 40 rushing yards in the first 30 minutes of every game.
That leaves some big questions for Philadelphia heading into the home opener, anxious to find the offensive rhythm that had so many fans thrilled during the preseason.
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