DeMarco Murray thought he knew what he was signing up for in Chip Kelly's full-participation offense. But it's an offense that has fallen flat through four games this season, and the reigning NFL rushing leader has given the 1-3 Eagles little return on their big offseason investment.
After touching the ball 10 times in an embarrassing 23-20 loss to the Redskins on Sunday, Murray said he's unhappy with his role in the fleeting offense.
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"Do I think I'm touching the ball (enough)? Um, no, I'm not," Murray said. "I don't think I am. But it's the plays that are being called. I love this offense. I love playing with these guys. It's just how it is."
Murray signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Eagles in the offseason after leading the NFL with 1,845 rushing yards a year ago. He has 47 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries through three games this season, averaging 1.6 yards a pop. Murray broke free for a 30-yard run on his first carry Sunday, but he gained only six yards on his final seven touches. He also had two catches for 13 yards.
"I knew what I was coming in here to do," Murray said. "I knew I was going to be the guy. I knew (Darren) Sproles and (Ryan) Mathews were two great backs. I knew with this offense, a lot of guys touch the ball."
The Eagles' running game was at its best Week 3 against the Jets, when Matthews and Sproles combined for 123 yards in the team's only win. Murray, nursing a hamstring injury, wasn't in the lineup.
Otherwise, the Eagles have averaged 52.3 rushing yards per game, including seven total yards in a Week 2 loss to the Cowboys. In that game, Murray managed two yards on 13 carries against his former team.
"At the end of the day, we have to make plays," Murray said. "Us as players, we are here for a reason. You got to get more opportunities. We have to get the ball in the playmakers hands."
