The Murtha Paradox
4 comments so far
February 22, 2009 by
Former Husker offensive lineman Lydon Murtha ripped it up at the NFL Combine. He was the best among offensive linemen in three testing categories and in the top five performers two others. As Husker fans have known for quite some time, there is no denying this young man's talent and athletic ability. And he probably made himself some serious money by showcasing it for NFL scouts. But then there is Murtha's well documented issue when it comes to getting on and staying on the field, as well as some of his fan-infuriating habits as a player. The young man is a paradox worth exploring.
Head-Turning Results
Let me drop a couple facts on you. Murtha led all linemen at the combine in the 40-yard dash, with a 4.89 second time. He was the only offensive lineman to break the 5-second barrier. He was also tops in the three-cone drill, completing it in 7.06 seconds, far ahead of his nearest competitor. He also won the twenty-yard shuttle, with a time of 4.34 seconds. He was second in vertical jump (35') and tied for second in the broad jump with a 9'2'' leap.
Of course, you can argue that these results don't say much about actual football. When do linemen run 40 yards at a dead sprint or jump straight up in the air? But, they do illustrate one thing - this guy is one hell of an athlete. And at the meat market/circus/human dog show that is the NFL Combine, he probably made himself a nice chunk of change by demonstrating that athleticism.
It should also be noted that fellow Husker lineman Matt Slauson also tested well in several categories. So, the right side of NU's 2008 line did very well at the Combine. They will be missed. And that is an indication of the kind of preparation these young men and their coaches put in to the tests. Take your hats off to these young men and to James Dobson and his staff.
A Spotty Career?
Back to Murtha for minute - does anyone remember when this young man was recruited? He was a very big deal, as I recall and was considered one of the can't miss prospects among his class. To his credit, he played a lot of downs for NU and played particularly well at times as a senior. But, sandwiched between his recruiting hype and his Combine results is a somewhat spotty career. What happened?
For starters, he had a tough time staying healthy. He didn't suffer gruesome knee injuries or anything, but Murtha tended to be plagued by little things. He dinged up his shoulder (a tough injury for a lineman). He hurt his foot ... twice. He got a staph infection. And didn't this same kid hurt himself on in a scooter accident the day before the Spring Game? Yeah, it's been interesting.
Perhaps more concerning were some of his inconsistencies when he was actually on the field. Remember when it almost seemed as though he couldn't help but false start as a freshman? Remember some of those blown assignments when he played left tackle? Seriously, Murtha has been the subject of more expletive-laced text messages than any player I can remember in the last four years. There might be a coaching-related explanation, too.
A Player Without a Position
Basically, I think this young man got jerked around quite a bit over his time at NU. He had to adjust to very different coaching staff and position coaches. He was asked to play way too early in his career. He was asked to bulk up, then trim down. Most importantly, the previous coaching staff really didn't let him settle in to a spot. He was a left tackle, then a right tackle and then the "swing" player who was asked to play some of both.
It appeared to be too much for him, mentally. It made him tentative. If you've ever had a job where you had to juggle multiple assignments like that, then you know how much of a hindrance that can be to learning and development. You can't do any one thing really well. That was Murtha.
Give credit to the new coaching staff for recognizing that Murtha is a right tackle, and an excellent run blocker. They set him next to his big comrade Slauson and let him pave the way. Look at the film, there is no denying that when he is on the field his senior year, the level of play was better. He still missed four games with injury. But the play was better.
So, congratulations to Mr. Murtha for acing his first really big job interview. You can't dispute his physical ability. I hope he gets drafted in a good spot. More importantly, I hope he continues his development as a player, because its a shame NU couldn't get more from his talent.
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Greg Morrow Feb 22 09
Really, the entire situation was unfair for all the players involved, this entire class cycle. Murtha and Marlon Lucky, typify it.
I think it would have been better for Murtha, if Chris Patrick doesn't leave inexplicably to seek his fortune, after the '06 season. Patrick staying, would've allowed Murtha to grow into his shoes, by the time he's a senior.
Btw, Patrick's still with the Eagles, amazing!
In previous seasons, it didn't appear that guys further down the depth chart got "coached up." It was always about finding the starting 5, along with some theory about making guys interchangeable, along the line.
I thought it was only this year, that the entire offense had the synergy to be reliably consistent, even though previous seasons had more individual talent.
So, sure. Murtha wasn't a cog, an "Aaron Taylor," or even a Jon Zatechka, let alone a Rob Zatechka.
That's been more the story of the O-line and the entire offense, in this era.
Nobodies been a multi year "rock-ribbed" starter or alternate as a 3 and 4 year guy, except the dependable Terrence Nunn (and I was still searching for a better example).
Until '07 and most of this year, the struggle has been simply executing the offense, not being great at it.
Murtha wasn't the only false start magnet.
No question, though. You want Nebraska players to reach their potential, while they're still in Lincoln.
Workout warrior aside, for Murtha to actually make an NFL roster will border on the miraculous. Thereby bumping a full grown man, who most likely has a family and family type bills, into the relative soup line.
But hey, somebodies gotta do it!
schulz Feb 24 09
yea I don't know about this guy. I have been a Nebraska Fan since I was 4, read husker illustrated, huskerpedia all that and about the only thing positive I heard was this guy was funny.The article nails it, seems to be accident prone and not vey serious. I think this show about how much the combine is worth. He should be a develomental squad player drafted in 6-7 or FA but is going to get picked on the first day.maybe 3-4 years he can be something great. Hope I am wrong and he does well.
Trig Feb 27 09
The best part of Murtha coming to NU is the fact that he talked Swifty into coming with him. Nate Swift was not recruited by NU as I recall. But Murtha talked the coaches into taking a look at him. They came to Lincoln together and who can argue with which one had the better career. The 4 Star Prospect or the unheralded tag-along. Thanks for the great memories Swifty!
shannon Mar 10 09
Trig, you got it wrong. It was Nate Swift who was one of the first to commit to NU when Solich was still around. Murtha was committed to play at Minnesota. After a somewhat dubious recruiting slip up in Minneapolis-taking the wide-eyed farm kid Murtha to a local strip joint...Murtha decided to follow Swift to Lincoln under new head coach Callahan. He was listed by one analyst as the #1 Tackle coming out of high school. He will be a monster lineman in the NFL when he can stay 100% healthy.