DeMarco Murray did not have a prominent role in the Eagles' stunning upset win over the Patriots in Week 13. On Tuesday, Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur spent a significant portion of his media availability deflecting questions about the expensive free-agent acquisition.
ESPN's Ed Werder reported Tuesday that Murray addressed frustrations with his offensive role with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie during a team flight. Shurmur denied that Murray had expressed displeasure about his role and refused to endorse Murray as the team's top option in the backfield moving forward.
"We have a group of running backs that we feel good about putting in all the time," Shurmur said, via the Eagles' official Twitter feed.
Murray played 14 snaps and had just eight carries in the 35-28 win in New England. In March, Murray signed a five-year, $40 million contract that included $21 million guaranteed. Shurmur was asked what had changed in Philly's backfield.
"We're talking about a one-game deal, right?" Shurmur replied, per the Delaware News Journal.
When asked to evaluate Murray's performance this season, Shurmur answered, "We're going to do everything we can to beat Buffalo." Consider this telling. Murray has not been the same player he was with the Cowboys last season, and the Eagles shouldn't be faulted for leaning on Ryan Mathews -- who returned to the practice field Tuesday -- and Darren Sproles.
Of course, giving former sixth-round pick Kenjon Barner more touches than your $40 million running back is another story. Murray may not be happy with the Eagles, and we don't doubt the feeling is mutual.
