National Football League

DeMarco Murray 'scratching the surface' on production?

Published Sep. 25, 2014 10:00 a.m. ET

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Ross Jones

The league's leading rusher through three weeks isn't a fluke.

During training camp, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said running back DeMarco Murray possesses "bell-cow traits." And, so far, it appears that the Cowboys are committed to squeezing out every drop of potential from him.

With 83 touches (carries and catches combined) in the first three games, it's the most work Murray has had since a three-game span in Weeks 9-11 during his rookie season. Sitting atop all rushers in the NFL with 385 yards on 75 carries for three touchdowns, the increase in work couldn't come at a better time.

In fact, Murray's former running back coach at Oklahoma, Cale Gundy, believes the fourth-year running back is even getting a little bit more comfortable with the speed of the game.

"I think he's just scratching the surface," Gundy told FOXSports.com in a telephone interview on Tuesday. "There's no doubt that he has the tools. He's extremely fast; he's got great quickness, the ability to make you miss. He's a very physical player.  A great pass protector and can catch the ball easily. There's no doubt that he's well-rounded."

The Cowboys, who own a 13-1 record when Murray has 20 or more carries, haven't been deterred by a recurring fumbling issue. Dating back to Week 17 of last season, Murray has had a fumble in each game. It's something he said was "very disappointing" this week.

"I think it's something that can be cleaned up," said Gundy, who maintains a strong relationship with many of his former players. "I know for a fact that it's something which is a very serious situation for DeMarco.

"Any time you're as fast and has the moves that DeMarco has, the ball tends to get a little bit loose from the body. He had that here in college. It's something that he has to work on to keep the ball tight."

Murray has been assisted by a formidable offensive line, which includes three of the Cowboys' last four first-round picks (Tyron Smith (2011), Travis Frederick (2013) and Zack Martin (2014).

Missing nine games in his first two seasons because of injury, the 6-foot, 217-pound slasher finished last season having played in all 16 games. The raw athleticism has always been abundant in Murray, but staying healthy is just as vital.

"When we started recruiting him out of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.), there was no doubt that he was a top-five high school athlete in the nation," said Gundy, who is the brother of Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy. "In our opinion, he could've started at cornerback. He could've been a guy who played three years in college and probably left, been a first-round pick and started at corner in the NFL."

In a high-profile contract year that could see Murray test free agency after this season, ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer wonders if the Cowboys will opt to usethe franchise tag on him. Handling an elevated workload only increases his value to the team. His versatility as a receiver out of the backfield and strong pass protection has him looking like one of the most polished players at his position.

Now, it's about purpose. Averaging 5.1 yards a carry, Murray will continue to be called upon. The question is, will he hold up?

Green Bay slow out of the gate again

Aaron Rodgers is in his 10th season with the Packers.

The Green Bay Packers have grown notorious for their slow starts in recent years. This season's 1-2 beginning can be attributed to the new cast of pass-catching characters. The days of James Jones, Jermichael Finley and Greg Jennings appear are in the rear view. These days Green Bay is rolling with young, talented receivers such as Jarrett Boykin, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams. One NFC personnel man believes the offense should get better with time as they get more experience with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. "They're struggling at the tight end position with blocking and catching," he said. "People overlook the loss of Jermichael [Finley]. [Davante] Adams is going to be a hell of a player, but he just needs reps in that offense. When they get the running game going with [Eddie Lacy], that offense will be one of the toughest to stop."

The Legion of Boom's upgrade?

The domino effect of injuries in Seattle has proven fortuitous. When nickel cornerbacks Jeremy Lane (groin) and Tharold Simon (knee) went down earlier this month, Seattle's front office got to see what it received in an August trade made to bolster the secondary. A sixth-round pick shipped to the Indianapolis Colts brought in 2013 undrafted cornerback Marcus Burley. Since then, Burley has exceeded expectations and has caught the attention of other teams. "He's better than what they had in Walter Thurmond III," an AFC scout told FOXSports.com. "They're excited. He's quick, tough and can run. Most importantly, he plays disciplined and fits their scheme." Burley, who ranked high on Pro Football Focus' cornerback preseason rankings, had two passes defensed covering Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker for a majority of the game last Sunday. Playing on four practice squads in 2013, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound cornerback out of Delaware clearly has turned his 4.35 40-yard-dash speed into sharp play on the field. Sounds like quite a scoop for John Schneider and Co.

Lions LB set to become 'household name'

DeAndre Levy led the Lions in tackles (119) in 2013.

When Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch went down with a torn ACL ilast week, sixth-year veteran DeAndre Levy assumed the responsibilities of relaying the play calls to the defense. Thoughhe admittedly said it was a "little rough" in the beginning, he remained focused during the tough stretches. "He was not fazed by it, did not get frustrated or flustered at any point in time," coach Jim Caldwell said after the game. "He really did a nice job." Leading his team with 27 tackles, Levy is coming off a Pro Bowl-type season, but hasn't garnered national recognition. That won't be for long, though. "[Levy] is strong, quick and active," an NFC personnel exec told FOXSports.com. "I think he's ready to be a household name. He's a smart kid and he was always their best linebacker, regardless."

A good problem to have?

The Washington Redskins won't have to make a decision on their quarterback of the future immediately, but it's a situation some teams have grown envious of. Several decision makers suggested the Redskins are in a great position having two quality quarterbacks while some teams are searching for one.

Oakland's aerial attack

Hopefully the Oakland Raiders are racking up the frequent-flyer miles. The "trip around the world" made its longest leg, landing in London on Monday in anticipation for Sunday's showdown against the Miami Dolphins. Traveling 36,078 miles this season, the Raiders will fly the longest distance of any team. For comparison's sake, the Steelers will travel a league-low 5,918 miles.

What can Brown do for you?

The ACL injury to Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso has allowed third-round rookie Preston Brown every opportunity to win the job. As ESPN's Mike Rodak noted earlier this week, Brown has played every snap this season (219 snaps). Meanwhile, offseason acquisition Brandon Spikes has been limited to 33 snaps total in the last two games.

Cincy's other slinger

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu was noted as having the best training camp of all the team's wide receivers this year. It has certainly paid off thus far. Through three games, Sanu is tied with A.J. Green with a team-high in receptions (12) for 164 yards and a touchdown. What's more, offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has taken advantage of Sanu's versatility. Sanu, who played quarterback at South Brunswick High School, has completed 4 out of 4 passes as a pro and has one teammate believing he could legitimately play the position in the league. Defensive end Wallace Gillberry said on the Jay Mohr Sports Show that Sanu is a better passer than Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith.

Ducks QB grabbing plenty of attention

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota has lived up to his heightened expectations thus far in 2014, but he may have to shed the "product of the system" label if he so chooses to enter the NFL Draft this winter, one NFL scout told FOXSports.com. Though Mariota looks to have the skill set that translates easily to the NFL, his mobility won't risk his longevity in the league. "You look at Russell Wilson, and he never puts himself in harm's way. There's a football IQ, a football awareness that Mariota has. The concern on him will be his demeanor. He's much closer to Flacco than Rodgers in that department. He's a little subdued. Almost too nice."

Add another candidate to deep RB class

NFL scout on Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah, the NCAA's second-leading rusher: "He's one of the best backs in the nation. He's tough, quick and agile. He's not big, but he plays big."

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