Follow @louisojedajr



Michael Irvin is passionate about the Cowboys, but he isn’t afraid to be honest about their status this offseason.

The Hall of Fame wide receiver isn’t picking Dallas to win the NFC East despite many experts predicting his former team to repeat as division champions.

"Philly is the favorite in the NFC East," Irvin told WPEN 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia. "I have to separate my head from my heart."

The main reason is running back DeMarco Murray leaving the Cowboys and joining the Eagles.

Even with arguably the best offensive line in the league, Irvin isn’t buying the idea that any of Dallas’ running backs can do what Murray did.

"You cannot tell me and you cannot convince me that you can just stick anybody back there," he said. "If they had drafted a Melvin Gordon or a [Todd] Gurley, then there may be something. But with Darren McFadden? Maybe he’ll have some great things going but right now I would take Philadelphia and then Dallas."

Jerry Jones and the Cowboys made some impressive offseason moves and have said repeatedly they have faith in what they have at running back. But the Eagles luring away the NFL’s leading rusher makes Philly the clear frontrunner in Irvin’s mind.

"I’m just getting over the depression of losing DeMarco Murray," he said. "Philadelphia upgraded immensely in that department. DeMarco Murray is a different kind of beast.

"The Cowboys should go sign any running back that’s out there."

Follow @louisojedajr



MORE FROM FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST:

– PHOTOS: Cowboys Cheerleaders Auditions

– Ranking NFL quarterback salaries

– Oldest player on every NBA team

– College football’s highest paid coaches in 2014