IRVING, Texas – It's not the Pro Bowls or 1,000-yard seasons that drive DeMarco Murray.
Both of those were firsts for the Cowboys' starting running back last season, but it's a first that hasn't occurred yet that drives Murray the most. After three straight 8-8 seasons to start Murray's career, his focus is on winning more games.
"That's it," Murray said. "That's the result, just straight winning. Yards, all that crap doesn't mean a thing. If we're winning, at the end of the day, that's what you play for."
Murray set career-highs in attempts (217), rushing yards (1,121), rushing touchdowns (9), receptions (53), receiving yards (350) and games played (14) last season, while also recording his first career receiving touchdown.
But despite the personal accolades last season, the end result was no different.
Since entering the league in 2011, Murray's experienced three straight 8-8 seasons, falling one game short of the playoffs every time. Enhancing a record of 24-24 eclipses the importance of a second-straight Pro Bowl trip, according to Murray.
"That's definitely not what I play for," Murray said. "It's definitely a great accomplishment to be there and what not and compete against some of the league's best, but it's definitely not what I mark down or what I pay attention to. If I make it, great. If not, not. I really don't care, but I definitely play for my team, play to win and to have fun doing it."
The Cowboys made a statement during the NFL Draft by selecting Zack Martin in the first round and further bolstering an already overhauled offensive line. That pick gave the Cowboys three first-round selections on the offensive line who are all 23 years old. [embedded_ad]
Murray said it's difficult to tell much about the team during OTAs without pads on as the players work more on technique, but he knows what the future can hold running behind that line.
"It's definitely a little harder to block without pads, but they do a hell of a job just blocking with jerseys," Murray said. "I've definitely gotten a great feel for the offense and what we can do."
