MVP Candidates Watch List: The Top 7 and Their Routes To The Award
By Daniel
Oct 19, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) after a 31-21 victory against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Murray broke the NFL record with 7+ consecutive games with 100+ yards. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
1. (TIE) DeMarco Murray, RB – Dallas:
Stat Line: 918 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 4.9 yards per carry
A few weeks ago I pegged Murray as the most-likely candidate to win the MVP. Since then, he’s continued to dominate at an unbelievable level. If he continues this pace I believe there is no way he doesn’t win the 2014 AP MVP award. That said, he’s averaging 26.7 rushes per game (and has 22 receptions, too) and I have a few doubts. Mostly about his body. Can he continue to receive such a beating every game and remain both healthy and productive? That is the question. Assuming he does, he has a real chance at becoming the eighth member of the “2000-Yard Club”.
He’s ran for at least 100 yards in all eight games this season and he’s the driving force behind the Cowboys’ seven game winning streak. This Cowboys team has been underachieving for years, but they at least seem to have it figured out in 2014. And it’s no wonder that it finally happens when Murray breaks out for one of the absolute best starts to a season by a running back in NFL history. Murray is dominating his peers better than anyone; he has 298 more yards than the next closest running back in the league (Foster, 615 yards). That is why he’s the top MVP candidate (tied with one other player) in the NFL.
The Cowboys’ upcoming schedule is by no means easy, but there are some more opportunities for him to put up some more big games. Fortunately for him, five of Dallas’ last seven games are outside, which should mean a healthy dose of running. He’s averaging 4.9 yards per carry on the year, if that number doesn’t dip he should be the MVP. But a lot has to go right for his and the Cowboys’ play to continue at such a high level. One quarterback is lurking, ready to take the award from Murray if his production should diminish over the coming weeks. And he’s on the next slide.