Cowboys' ground game hopes for rebound against Chicago

IRVING – When the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving Day, much of the blame was directed toward the young offensive line, which allowed four sacks and failed to help Dallas establish a consistent running game.

"We've just got to get back to the basics and do some of the basic things better, and we've all just got to do our part and do our job," said Cowboys passing game coordinator Scott Linehan.

"As an offense, I think we all didn't put our best foot forward on Thanksgiving Day," said running back DeMarco Murray. "We watched the tape, and there were a few things that we did that wasn't us."

Tight end Jason Witten echoed Murray's sentiments.

"That wasn't us," Witten said. "That wasn't our best football on Thursday, and it's disappointing."

It was the second time in four weeks that running back DeMarco Murray failed to pick up 100 yards. He finished with 73 on 20 carries, his lowest production of the season.

"[The Eagles] have a good D-line up front," Murray said. "We're going up against another one this Thursday, so we're excited about the matchup. I'm sure our O-line will be ready to play, so it'll be a good game."

One year ago, when the Cowboys played the Bears in Chicago Murray had 18 carries for 146 yards, so running in the cold isn't an issue Murray is worried about.

"It was a little cold, but you've got to be mentally strong enough to grind through it, and someway, somehow, get it out of your mind," Murray said.

It will be cold in Chicago again on Thursday, though not as cold as last year when Dallas lost 45-28. Dallas is 5-0 on the road this year, a streak that Murray would like to keep intact.

"I feel like maybe we focus a little better [on the road,]" Murray said. "We come together more as a team, so I think it's just more of togetherness."

Togetherness that appeared to be missing on Thanksgiving against Philadelphia.