By Tom Osborn
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MIAMI — Dallas Cowboys rookie running back DeMarco Murray has done an excellent job making up for lost time.
The former Oklahoma star missed most of camp with a hamstring injury suffered during the lockout. But in the final two preseason games, Murray showed no signs of rust.
The Cowboys lost their preseason finale 17-3 to the Dolphins on Thursday night, but Murray's play gave Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett something positive to talk about even after they watched undrafted wide receiver Raymond Radway break his left leg in the final seconds.
"When they can play, they can play. That's the bottom line," Jones said of Murray, a third-round pick.
With No. 1 back Felix Jones held out along with most of the starters from both teams, and with Tashard Choice back in Dallas nursing a bruised knee, Murray got the start at rain-soaked Sun Life Stadium.
"I was very anxious and excited," Murray said. "I knew I'd start and get the bulk of the reps. It felt good to finally get extended time."
Exhibiting excellent vision and footwork, Murray finished with 96 total yards from scrimmage, including 64 receiving yards on four catches. Six days earlier, he averaged 4.6 yards per carry at Minnesota, his preseason debut.
The two impressive showings underscored how hard Murray worked in the training room and the classroom while rehabbing.
"He was so conscientious," Jones said. "We don't have anybody more serious minded professionally than Murray.
"It's all showing up — his size, his natural instincts. You keep him in blindfolds, you stick him out there and all of a sudden he is blocking the right guy on pass protection, and he's making the catches and also getting the efficient yards. He's a good player."
Murray got off to a fast start, rumbling 48 yards with a screen pass on Dallas' opening play.
"He's a natural receiver," Garrett said of Murray. "He just has a good feel for getting open."
But the Cowboys couldn't capitalize. Six plays later, the Dolphins intercepted a Stephen McGee pass in the end zone.
Murray wasn't the only back that stood out. Undrafted rookie Phillip Tanner had six carries for 28 yards. Jones suggested he might have earned a spot on the 53-man roster, which must be decided by 3 p.m. Saturday.
Jones also indicated that David Buehler will win the kicking competition even though he was 1 of 2 on field goal attempts against the Dolphins, hitting from 20 yards but missing wide right on a 48-yard try in the fourth. Recently signed Dave Rayner was 0 for 2, missing from 51 and 36 yards.
"I would like to have seen them make their kicks," Jones said, "but I know this: I want that ball to go into the end zone on kickoffs every time."
Buehler excels at deep kickoffs.
The injury to Radway occurred as he tried to catch a pass in the end zone. A former track star at Abilene Christian, Radway was "in the mix" for a roster spot after catching three passes for 62 yards against Miami, Jones said.
Radway is expected to undergo surgery early this morning in Dallas.
"I cried on the inside for him," McGee said. "It's just a difficult thing to accept."
Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/...lphins-beat-Cowboys-2152008.php#ixzz1Wndu2WQm
Link
MIAMI — Dallas Cowboys rookie running back DeMarco Murray has done an excellent job making up for lost time.
The former Oklahoma star missed most of camp with a hamstring injury suffered during the lockout. But in the final two preseason games, Murray showed no signs of rust.
The Cowboys lost their preseason finale 17-3 to the Dolphins on Thursday night, but Murray's play gave Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett something positive to talk about even after they watched undrafted wide receiver Raymond Radway break his left leg in the final seconds.
"When they can play, they can play. That's the bottom line," Jones said of Murray, a third-round pick.
With No. 1 back Felix Jones held out along with most of the starters from both teams, and with Tashard Choice back in Dallas nursing a bruised knee, Murray got the start at rain-soaked Sun Life Stadium.
"I was very anxious and excited," Murray said. "I knew I'd start and get the bulk of the reps. It felt good to finally get extended time."
Exhibiting excellent vision and footwork, Murray finished with 96 total yards from scrimmage, including 64 receiving yards on four catches. Six days earlier, he averaged 4.6 yards per carry at Minnesota, his preseason debut.
The two impressive showings underscored how hard Murray worked in the training room and the classroom while rehabbing.
"He was so conscientious," Jones said. "We don't have anybody more serious minded professionally than Murray.
"It's all showing up — his size, his natural instincts. You keep him in blindfolds, you stick him out there and all of a sudden he is blocking the right guy on pass protection, and he's making the catches and also getting the efficient yards. He's a good player."
Murray got off to a fast start, rumbling 48 yards with a screen pass on Dallas' opening play.
"He's a natural receiver," Garrett said of Murray. "He just has a good feel for getting open."
But the Cowboys couldn't capitalize. Six plays later, the Dolphins intercepted a Stephen McGee pass in the end zone.
Murray wasn't the only back that stood out. Undrafted rookie Phillip Tanner had six carries for 28 yards. Jones suggested he might have earned a spot on the 53-man roster, which must be decided by 3 p.m. Saturday.
Jones also indicated that David Buehler will win the kicking competition even though he was 1 of 2 on field goal attempts against the Dolphins, hitting from 20 yards but missing wide right on a 48-yard try in the fourth. Recently signed Dave Rayner was 0 for 2, missing from 51 and 36 yards.
"I would like to have seen them make their kicks," Jones said, "but I know this: I want that ball to go into the end zone on kickoffs every time."
Buehler excels at deep kickoffs.
The injury to Radway occurred as he tried to catch a pass in the end zone. A former track star at Abilene Christian, Radway was "in the mix" for a roster spot after catching three passes for 62 yards against Miami, Jones said.
Radway is expected to undergo surgery early this morning in Dallas.
"I cried on the inside for him," McGee said. "It's just a difficult thing to accept."
Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/...lphins-beat-Cowboys-2152008.php#ixzz1Wndu2WQm
