There’s nothing like a 100-yard rushing game for a running back to finally feel comfortable.
Dogged with questions about his lack of productivity since arriving in Philadelphia, Eagles running back DeMarco Murray quieted the critics with 112 rushing yards in a win over the New York Giants last week.
And just like that, last year’s rushing champion is back.
“I finally feel like myself,” Murray said, via Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Everyone is starting to settle down and get their legs underneath them.”
Murray has now rushed for 195 yards and two scores over the last two weeks, both Eagles wins. He started the 2015 season with 29 carries for just 45 yards (1.6 yards per carry) over the first three games.
Coincidentally, Philadelphia has averaged 33 points over the last two games.
“Collectively, we’re playing well right now,” Murray said. “But it has a lot to do with how we prepare during the week… Everyone has looked in the mirror and we got better as a group.”
The Eagles go on the road to play the undefeated Carolina Panthers in Week 7. Carolina is allowing 96.6 rushing yards per game in 2015, largely thanks to pair of top linebackers in Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis.
Murray is eager to face the two.
“It’s a challenge,” Murray said, via Phil Sheridan of ESPN. “These are two of the top, premier linebackers in the NFL. Whenever you get a chance to compete against players of this caliber, you look forward to it. We’ll have our hands full. We’re excited by the challenge. We know what’s at stake.”
The 3-3 Eagles have a chance to get back over .500 and give Carolina its first loss. It will take a big day from Murray to make it happen.