DeMarco Murray: Winning Is 'All That Matters'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The questions keep coming for DeMarco Murray.
The man the Eagles opened the vault for to replace LeSean McCoy has seen his role reduced in recent weeks. Murray spent much of the second half in New England watching from the sidelines, and did not start Sunday's game against Buffalo. However, the Eagles running back insists winning is the only thing that matters.
"It is what it is," said Murray. "You always want to have a chance to contribute as much as you can in a game. We're winning and at the time, that's all that matters."
Murray rushed for 34 yards on 11 carries against the Bills, but Chip Kelly gave Murray more work than he did against the Patriots in New England. While Murray's role has been reduced, Kelly insists Murray is still an integral part of the Eagles' offense.
"DeMarco is on the field," Kelly said. "I don't know if you've been to any games. He plays. He played the second-most snaps of any of the running backs in our last game."
Kelly has made it clear that salaries for players won't dictate how much they play. Murray received a huge contract in the off-season, but Kelly is only worried about what is best for the team, so Murray's carries aren't expected to rise drastically anytime soon.
"I've never been concerned with making any individual happy," said Kelly. "Our focus and goal is always on trying to win the football game. Anywhere I've ever been, I've never heard any coach ever discuss anything like that. I mean, everybody wants to win and we're going to do whatever we can to win the football game."
Murray has dealt with everything from criticism about his play to an attempt to go over Kelly's head to talk to Owner Jeffrey Lurie. Some wonder if Murray's quiet personality is also an issue in the locker room. However, many other Eagles continue to praise both Murray's work ethic and his value as a teammate. As for Murray, he says he stands ready whenever he is called upon to take the field.
Even in a reduced role.
"It's different," Murray said. "I've never been in this situation, but we're tied for first place in the division. I've been in this division for years. It's always come down to every game late in December. You give yourselves a chance to win and you're giving yourselves a chance to make the playoffs. That's special."
