DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) — Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is far and away the NFL’s leading rusher. Now, he’s being recognized for his gaudy stats.

Murray was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month on Thursday after rushing for 534 yards and 5 touchdowns in the team’s first four games.

After rushing for 149 yards in the Cowboys’ Sunday night win over New Orleans, Murray became just the 4th player in NFL history to open a season with four consecutive 100-yard rushing games. The other names on the list: Emmitt Smith, O.J. Simpson and Jim Brown.

Murray is averaging 5.4 yards per carry on 99 attempts, 18 more than any other running back in the NFL. His 534 rushing yards are 156 more than the league’s second-leading rusher, Pittsburgh’s Le’Veon Bell.

Cowboys officials say they are open to re-signing Murray after the season, when he becomes a free agent.

The Cowboys face a porous Texans defense on Sunday that is yielding 130.2 rushing yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry.

However, the Texans defense is led by defensive end J.J. Watt, who was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month.

Watt leads the NFL with 16 quarterback hits, only two of which are for sacks. He’s also recorded 15 tackles, four tackles for loss, three passes defended, an interception return for a touchdown, an extra point block and a fumble recovery.

Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month, and Detroit LB DeAndre Levy earned NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors.

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