Running back Controversy - Time to begin?

[PhillyGreen]

Chip Kelly can't explain underuse of Ryan Mathews to WIP's Angelo Cataldi

I can't find a single rebuttal on why Matthews should not be playing more than Demarco.

 

[FadeToBlack]

Shouldn't be a controversy, it looks pretty clear to me who is better in this system.

 

[Iggloo]

It's clearly begun, but as I said in another thread, I expect Chip to stick with Murray, just like he is sticking with Bradford, because he made these calls and his ego and reputation are on the line.

I don't like that he threw Duce under the bus. That's weasely. He is the head coach. If he doesn't like the way Mathews is being used he could fix it.

 

[SoShady]

It has nothing to do with ego. But it has everything to do with how much Murray is being paid. Mathews was brought in to be the 2nd RB. Nothing about Chip's ego that's total bs. The media has been trying to make this a huge issue for weeks now. Every single post game show they are egging this on. They knew or should have known what they were buying with Murray. You can't give him 8-10 carries a game and expect him to be effective. He's a volume runner who gets better as the game goes on. Clearly it was a mistake bringing in Murray. But what's done is done and you have to hope they figure it out. Wonder how many years until we can get out from under that contract anyone know? Hopefully after the first 2 years if we are lucky.

 

[mannyz]

Maybe we can get back into the 3nd round by moving Murray and one of our 3rd rd picks. Then draft OL. Any chance we can give Byron Maxwell back to Seattle? Chip the GM is not very good, he is taking us to Cap Hell.

 

[ctc]

On a .500 team? Sure why not?

Barring some massive change like oline blocking better or the receivers catching the ball or Bradford throwing it consistently everything this is a .500 team. Everything is up for debate. EVERYTHING!

 

[eaglesnut]

This is easy. You use them both as 1a and 1b. As soon as you name Mathews the starter he'd probably get hurt.

 

[old duke]

Maybe we can get back into the 3nd round by moving Murray and one of our 3rd rd picks. Then draft OL. Any chance we can give Byron Maxwell back to Seattle? Chip the GM is not very good, he is taking us to Cap Hell.

I guess you mean the 2nd round? We have two 3rds.

 

[Birds4life81]

I gave Murray a break for the first few weeks because our o-line was so bad, but we've done a much better job run blocking in recent weeks and it's beyond obvious who our best RB is…..and it's Ryan Matthews. He hits the hole with decisiveness, great vision, power, speed -- everything you look for. Matthews is also much better in space as a WR, he catches the ball and goes down the sideline in a heartbeat - Murray catches the ball, dances, and then puts his shoulder into a guy and they both fall down for a 2 yard gain. This is not the same Murray I've watched since college, or since his early days in the NFL -- wether it's the natural wear and tear of the position, or he's not used to lining up in shotgun since his college days. He doesn't have good vision to the hole, and he looks indecisive, he's not as explosive as he once was, and he tries to dance too much in open space. From time to time he'll make some pretty nice runs, but every time Matthews touches the ball I come away extremely impressed. There is little doubt in my mind who the best RB on this team is, and his name is NOT DeMarco Murray. It's unfortunate, especially after how much $ we spent on him.

I also might be in the minority, but I think Sanchez might be able to operate this offense more effectively. Look, I'm not saying Sanchez is a good QB, and while Bradford had some really nice throws (some dropped) -- he is really struggling right now. Bradford is a complete statue in the pocket, when the rush goes past him he fails to step up in the pocket, and then he gets sacked from behind. I'm not asking him to run the ball, I'm asking him to manipulate the pocket and step up when the rush gets washed behind him, not get sacked with one arm when the defender is still being blocked by the o-line -- step up Sammie!! I think that's a department Sanchez is much better at. I'd like to see Sanchez with Matthews is our lead back, with this defense -- I think we can make a push. We still don't have any chance vs a team like the packers in the playoffs though.

 

[WIZ]

I would see if the Texans would like to trade Murray for Polk. Seiously though as good as Mathews is the guy gets hurt a ton.

 

[Birds4life81]

I would see if the Texans would like to trade Murray for Polk. Seiously though as good as Mathews is the guy gets hurt a ton.

Yeah he is, but he needs to be getting the majority of snaps, with Murray spelling him and Sproles as the 3rd down back. DeMarco will have to check his ego and be happy he got paid so much. We'll just have to hope Matthews can stay healthy

 

[TheSnowdog]

I'm not ready to give up on Murray
I still think he can be a productive back for the Eagles

I agree though that Matthews has outplayed Murray so far and am happy the Eagles decided to also sign him

Hopefully the Eagles can work it out with both backs

 

[L.Freamon]

I dont think Demarco's back next year. In the offseason, we're going to hear how he's not a team player and has gang ties, so we have to let him go.

 

[L.Freamon]

I would see if the Texans would like to trade Murray for Polk. Seiously though as good as Mathews is the guy gets hurt a ton.

You're not buying into Kenjon Barner?

 

[L.Freamon]

I gave Murray a break for the first few weeks because our o-line was so bad, but we've done a much better job run blocking in recent weeks and it's beyond obvious who our best RB is…..and it's Ryan Matthews. He hits the hole with decisiveness, great vision, power, speed -- everything you look for. Matthews is also much better in space as a WR, he catches the ball and goes down the sideline in a heartbeat - Murray catches the ball, dances, and then puts his shoulder into a guy and they both fall down for a 2 yard gain. This is not the same Murray I've watched since college, or since his early days in the NFL -- wether it's the natural wear and tear of the position, or he's not used to lining up in shotgun since his college days. He doesn't have good vision to the hole, and he looks indecisive, he's not as explosive as he once was, and he tries to dance too much in open space. From time to time he'll make some pretty nice runs, but every time Matthews touches the ball I come away extremely impressed. There is little doubt in my mind who the best RB on this team is, and his name is NOT DeMarco Murray. It's unfortunate, especially after how much $ we spent on him.

I also might be in the minority, but I think Sanchez might be able to operate this offense more effectively. Look, I'm not saying Sanchez is a good QB, and while Bradford had some really nice throws (some dropped) -- he is really struggling right now. Bradford is a complete statue in the pocket, when the rush goes past him he fails to step up in the pocket, and then he gets sacked from behind. I'm not asking him to run the ball, I'm asking him to manipulate the pocket and step up when the rush gets washed behind him, not get sacked with one arm when the defender is still being blocked by the o-line -- step up Sammie!! I think that's a department Sanchez is much better at. I'd like to see Sanchez with Matthews is our lead back, with this defense -- I think we can make a push. We still don't have any chance vs a team like the packers in the playoffs though.

I hear you, but we know Sanchez ceiling. He's gonna leave points on the field and he'll make a dumb play at the worst time. The ultimate tease.

At leats the O was amore fun to watch at times with Sanchez. With Bradford it's never fun to watch.

 

[old duke]

With the season not quite 1/2 over, we may be surprised to see how things will play out. I don't think Chip is stupid, and will go with the best players at every position soon. Maybe after the bye. He knows that players have to compete to win starting jobs.

 

[R.J. MacReady]

Call Jerry.

 

[PhillyGreen]

Demarco Murray has $21 mil in guaranteed money. He will be here past this season.