Cowboys energized by Murray’s performance

IRVING, Texas -- Emmitt Smith had 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons for the Dallas Cowboys. Since he left, his successors have managed to compile all of one.

The Cowboys also have a grand total of one postseason victory in that span.

So after seeing DeMarco Murray run for more yards than Smith ever did in a single game -- 253, the ninth most in NFL history, and in a game he didn't even start -- it's easy to understand why everyone around the club is so excited about what the rookie can do next.

It's not just the highlight plays he might make. It's the new dimension he could bring to the offense.

"Teams have to recognize that we can run the ball," team owner Jerry Jones said.

Smith's running was the backbone of the Cowboys' offense when they won three Super Bowls in four years. As much as it helped having fellow Hall of Famers such as Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, everything started with Smith. Many drives finished with him, too.

Of all the rebuilding efforts since those glory years, the biggest missing piece has been a dynamic running back. The leading rushers since then: Troy Hambrick, Julius Jones, Marion Barber and Felix Jones. The only 1,000-yard season was by Julius Jones, in 2006, and it's not like he blew past the benchmark in totaling 1,084.

Felix Jones was a first-round pick who has shown flashes of great ability. Dallas drafted Murray, who played at Bishop Gorman High School, out of Oklahoma in the third round in April to see whether he could help.

A fast runner and dedicated blocker with great receiving ability, Murray slipped to 71st overall because of questions about his durability. Sure enough, he arrived at training camp with a hamstring injury. He missed early practices and the first two preseason games.

His role increased two games ago after Felix Jones was hurt. The more Murray ran, the more rhythm he gained, coach Jason Garrett said. The Cowboys were eager to see what he could do in extended action against the St. Louis Rams.

Tashard Choice got the start, but Murray went in early, with Dallas on its 9-yard line. On his first carry of the game, he went through a hole on the left side and didn't stop for 91 yards, the second-longest run in franchise history. Over 25 carries, he outran every player in Cowboys history, an illustrious group that includes another Hall of Famer, Tony Dorsett.

Now comes the hard part: doing it again, starting tonight in Philadelphia, against defenses that have seen what he can do.

Only fantasy football types are counting on another total worthy of bold print.

The Cowboys just want to see him show he can be a legitimate threat.

The importance of a running game is a staple of Football 101.

"The game slows down when you are able to run the ball," quarterback Tony Romo said. "Defensively, there's only so many options they have."

This season, the Cowboys might have been able to hold onto their 14-point, fourth-quarter lead over the Jets in the opener, or their 24-point, third-quarter lead against Detroit if they could've trusted their running game.

Of course, it's unrealistic to expect all these pieces to snap into place based on one guy after one game.

Remember, Murray is still a novice. He's played just six NFL games. He's carried the ball only 49 times, more than half coming in his breakout performance. And that historic performance came against a bad run defense that was having a particularly bad day.

One thing in his favor is his attitude: pure humility. The day after his breakout performance, he assessed his effort.

"There are definitely a lot of things I need to clean up," he said.

He also singled out a teammate as a role model: tight end Jason Witten, one of the hardest-working, most-durable Cowboys, and a perennial Pro Bowler.

"I copy him, just the way he carries himself on and off the field," Murray said. "He's so focused, and he wants to win."

Once Jones recovers, the Cowboys could have what they really want: a rotation of backs, each capable of running away from the defense, each kept fresh and healthy, by splitting the load.

Garrett also would be able to tinker with things such as having them both on the field at the same time, something he dabbled with before Jones got hurt.

"I'm ready to be the No. 1 guy, the No. 2 guy, the No. 3 guy," Murray said. "Whatever they ask me to do, I'm going to do with a smile on my face."