Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles: Which NFL Team Has Bigger Offensive Deficiency?
What an NFL offseason it was for the NFC East.
The Dallas Cowboys are the defending division champions, but they no longer have their star running back DeMarco Murray. Murray led the entire league in rushing yards last season with 1,845 and had another 13 touchdowns to go with that. Jerry Jones decided to let Murray walk as a free agent, and focus on Dez Bryant instead.
Not only did Murray not re-sign with the Cowboys, but he took his talents to the City of Brotherly Love. Murray inked a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $21 million in guaranteed money.
But head coach Chip Kelly certainly made some questionable moves for the Eagles. He traded away starting quarterback Nick Foles to the St. Louis Rams for Sam Bradford, re-signed Mark Sanchez, traded away LeSean McCoy and even signed Tim Tebow to the roster.
While Eagles fans are constantly reminding Cowboys fans that they no longer have Murray, Cowboys fans are firing right back with the Eagles' quarterback situation.
Can Bradford be "that guy" in Philadelphia? History says no as Bradford has torn his ACL the last two consecutive years, didn't play a single game last season, and is not very mobile. Bradford's below average mobility has some fans wondering if he can operate effectively under this spread-out, fast-paced offense. Sanchez obviously has his flaws as he is a one touchdown for one interception quarterback. Tebow time in Philadelphia?
The Cowboys may be the defending NFC East champions, but a lot of fans aren't exactly sold that this team can win without Murray carrying the rock. Last year was finally the year that coach (and former quarterback) Jason Garrett decided to go with a run first offense, and it worked to perfection. Tony Romo had plenty of time to throw and Bryant was able to get open largely due to the fact that Murray was so successful on the ground.
Joseph Randle hasn't proven he can be an every down back yet, and Darren McFadden is very injury prone. McFadden has only rushed for more than 710 yards in a season once in his seven-year career. The Cowboys have a great offensive line, but we still can't underestimate the value of an elite running back.
One could argue that the Cowboys have an advantage because the Eagles already had an elite back before acquiring Murray. LeSean McCoy is one of the most versatile backs in the league, so getting rid of him for Murray may not make that much of a difference. On the other side, Eagles fans can bring up the fact that their team does still have a good offensive line, and taking away Murray from the Cowboys was great because they no longer have to face him twice a year.
The New York Giants are still trying to fix their offensive line, and the Washington Redskins are, well never mind. This season will most likely come down to the Eagles and the Cowboys once again when determining an NFC East champion.
Which team has a bigger challenge to fix this season? Feel free to vote in our fan poll below.
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