CHICAGO -— The Dallas Cowboys used a bruising ground game to pave the way for a convincing 41-28 victory over the Chicago Bears, as running back DeMarco Murray edges closer to lofty franchise records.
Murray had a career-high 32 rushing attempts for 179 yards - second most of his career - and he added a touchdown. He also had a career-best nine receptions for 49 yards.
Murray's play and the offensive line combined to create the sort of clock-chewing, ground-and-pound offense that propelled the Cowboys to a six-game win streak earlier in the season.
"I thought we got back to the way we play. We ran the ball early, got the lead early, helped our defense out, and they got some big stops," said tight end Jason Witten. "Big bounce back game for us, and we need to continue to build on that."
With the rushing attack firing on all cylinders, quarterback Tony Romo followed suit. He completed 21-of-26 passes for 205 yards and three passing touchdowns. His quarterback rating was a sizzling 138.
There was nothing fancy about now this game played out. It was basic fundamental football, and the Cowboys executed it efficiently.
"I feel like we got back to our basic plays that we're used to running, that I'm familiar with, [offensive] line's familiar with," Murray said.
The running back's season total of 1,606 rushing yards is the most in team history through 13 games. He is just 167 yards behind the Cowboys single-season rushing record of 1,773 ground yards set by Emmitt Smith in 1995.
Murray topped the century mark in rushing yards of the 11th time this season, which ties Smith's record, also set in the 1995 season.
Murray's 42 total touches against the Bears are second-most in team history, trailing Smith by just one in a game played in 1994 against the Giants.
Murray said he feels fine despite all the wear and tear, thanks to doing a good job of avoiding big hits.
"It's nothing that he can't handle," receiver Dez Bryant said of his teammate Murray. "You give it to him 100 times, and he's going to do something with it. That's the great thing about [De]Marco."
And when Murray is great, this offense reaches its full potential.
Join the Conversation
To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs