After waiting months to finally watch America’s Team battle it out on the field the amped anticipation gradually turned into disappointment as the first few plays unfolded. The first team offense is suppose to set the elite example, yet their offensive line did not have any blocking ability in yesterday’s game. It was unsettling to see Tony Romo under severe pressure and unprotected for a large majority of his time on the field. It was especially unsettling to witness Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tom Kelly sack Tony Romo. It is obvious that the struggles of the offensive line were very alarming and should be quickly addressed. On a positive note, Jason Garret mentioned last week that Andre Gurode was on a list of veteran lineman that may be brought in for a workout. This workout may potentially help the offensive line get back on track.

Yes it was obvious the offense struggled in the opening game last night, but the Cowboys run defense also looked less than impressive and did not perform as the usually do. The Raiders running back Darren McFadden was having his way with defense in the opening drive. This area should be a little less of a concern due to the fact that the defense was addressed during the offseason with free agency and the draft. Unlike the lack of talent you see on the interior of the offensive line; the defense still has the talent to be dominate against the run.

On the upside, all the hype surrounding Andre Holmes has not disappointed. This Monday, Andre Holmes made a couple of plays with the second team and was targeted by Kyle Orton Multiple times. Jason Garret should give Andre Holmes more looks with the first team offense if he continues to make more successful plays. Holmes finished the night with 3 catches for 40 yards that’s pretty good considering he was the player with the most catches and yards.

All in all, this is the first preseason game so there is no need for drastic changes, but the offensive line is something the Dallas Cowboys should consider addressing if it doesn’t improve. Finally, Tony Romo needs time in the pocket to make plays; he can’t continue to work behind a mediocre offensive line.

Both running backs have long injury histories dating back to each one’s college career. Although if the second year Murray can stay upright for all 16 games this season his contributions to the offense could really help the Cowboys surprise teams this season along with helping to lead the Boys back into the playoffs.

Nov 24, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving day at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

After being drafted in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft, Murray played sparingly through out the first five weeks of the season. Finally getting his shot in week six against the New England Patriots only after starter Felix Jones left the game with a high ankle sprain. The rookie running back never looked back after that amassing a new Cowboys record the very next week against the St. Louis Rams.

At least not until week fourteen, anyway, when Murray suffered a season ending ankle injury against the New York Football Giants. Up until that point Murray amassed 1,078 yards on 189 touches, 26 of those touches were receptions after being targeted a total of 35 times. Murray averaged 5.5 yards a carry and garnered 846 of his total yards on 1st and 2nd downs. This would back-up the notion that, assuming Felix Jones returns to the back field healthy from offseason shoulder injury and is woven into the fabric of the Cowboys offense as the third down back, Murray should still build a loaded statistical resume for the 2012 season.

Building of stats such as performing in only seven full games last season, Murray managed double digit fantasy points in five of those contests three of those same five games the Cowboys running back pushed well into the 20+ point mark in PPR leagues. Even better news for Murray is the news from OTAs and mini camp that Murray is consistently being targeted out of the backfield. Dallas’ DeMarco Murray was also tied 13th with Reggie Bush and Arian Foster for runs over 20 yards yet had about 100 less carries than everyone ranking ahead of him except Darren McFadden.

Another interesting tidbit of statistical information regarding the Dallas running back, Murray was tied for first with Fred Jackson amongst NFL running backs having more than 150 carries last year with a 5.5 yards per carry average.  

It’s no wonder that  in light of the stats from a year ago and a declaration of 100% health by the Cowboys starting running back that during the same ESPN chat Murray proclaimed that he is also prepared to win those fantasy football owners, that are loyal to him by selecting him number one overall, a championship.

Caleb (Georgia)

How would you rank yourself as a fantasy RB this year?

DeMarco Murray (3:42)

If you want to win, you better pick me No. 1 overall.

The former Oklahoma running back may not fuel up by devouring warrior seeds, in an attempt to lend toward fantasy team success, like another NFL running back but the kid is ready to win his fantasy owners a championship but only if the owner pulls the trigger with the team’s overall number one selection.

Is their risk involved with drafting Demarco Murray with a team’s first overall selection? Does the possible reward of close to a 2000 total yard season far outweigh that risk? We believe so but if your going to take the aforementioned risk then a fantasy manager may want to most certainly build a sound and solid team behind Murray that will be built to sustain the workload happen the second year Dallas Cowboys running back suffer some sort of anomaly within the Matrix.

1.  Will the Cowboys make the playoffs?  Yes, in my opinion but likely as a wild card.  That doesn’t mean they won’t necessarily make a Super Bowl run as other teams have shown the way (as recently as last year’s NY Giants).  It all depends on how well they are playing at the end of the season.  Peak at the right time and stay healthy enough and win-loss records don’t necessarily matter anymore. (more…)