DeMarco Murray Says He's Healthy & Feels Like An Eagle
PHILADELPHIA, PA (CBS) — DeMarco Murray caused quite a bit of a stir the first day of training camp on Sunday when the prized free agent running back watched the entire Eagles' practice, not participating in any team drills. Murray, who rushed for an NFL-best 1,845 yards in 2014, debunked the thought that he was hurt on Monday, saying he feels healthy and strong and can't wait to play for his new team.
"That's how it goes some days, some guys get more reps one day than other guys," Murray said. "Guess that's part of the deal. I'm fine. That's how it goes. I don't know whose decision it was [that he watch practice on Monday]. I was trying to do as much as I can. I feel great. I definitely feel [like an Eagle]. I've been here the last couple of months and I feel a part of this team. It's a great team, a great group of guys and a great group of coaches. I definitely feel like an Eagle. Working with these guys has been amazing."
Asked if it bothered him that he didn't participate in any of the drills on Monday, Murray said, "You're always upset when you don't get the chance to go and compete and take a little pressure off of the other guys, so I obviously wanted to be out there. I didn't [ask for an explanation why he was held out on Monday]. I just do what I'm told."
Murray carried the ball a career-high 392 times last year. Entering this season, there has been some concern that the workload could have an adverse effect on Murray, considering his north-south running style.
"In this offense, you have to be in great shape, and I feel that I'm in the best shape of my life," Murray said. "It's cardio and strength. I'm trying to be in game mode in every situation. I'm trying to better myself and the group around me. With his offense, I think we have playmakers across the board and the offensive line has been playing together for a long time [though Allen Barbre, Matt Tobin and Andrew Gardner are all new guards]. Adding veteran guys were going about it the right way and competing against each other. I think we're giving ourselves a chance to win and be good.
"It's out of my control [how many reps] I get. I felt I got a lot of good work in, but you have to be smart, too. It's training camp and there is a long season ahead. You have to get good work in, instead of crazy work. I felt the workload was equal [to Dallas], but the tempo here [in practice] is obviously different. I've always been in good shape. I pride myself in being able to run all day. The tempo is a little different though."
In the six weeks between OTAs and training camp, Murray said he got married, took some time off and worked out. He said he has a better grasp of the playbook. He admits he's constantly learning what everyone else on the field is doing, a Chip Kelly mantra for each of his players.
"Chip Kelly is a very smart coach the way he runs the offense, he finds ways to get guys the ball," Murray said. "With so many playmakers on this team, everyone has to be on the same page. He knows how to get guys the ball in space, and puts guys in great positions."
Murray said things will get interesting once everyone puts the pads on.
"It's up the coaches how many [pre-season] touches I get," Murray said. "I never think [about last year's amount of carries]. Last year is last year. I've moved on and I'm trying to make sure that I'm mentally, physically and emotionally ready for anything they throw at me, and whatever challenges that may occur. I'm definitely not worried how many touches I get, or how many touches I've had. I'm constantly trying to work hard on being the best that I can be."
