IRVING, Texas - Through the first four games, the Cowboys haven't been able to run the ball effectively, especially in the last three weeks where DeMarco Murray has just 106 rushing yards combined.
Looking for answers, there could be many reasons for the struggles, from the lack of holes up front. The offensive line has received its share of blame, but what about the lead blocker?
Fullback Lawrence Vickers was signed in the offseason to bring some power to the running game as a lead blocker but so far, he has been rather quiet.
Head coach Jason Garrett was asked about Vickers' play so far, and said improvement is needed, but remains confident in his veteran fullback.
"He's got a good feel for playing the position in general he's doing his job well, "Garrett said. "He can always do it better. He can get his guy better, just like anybody can. But he's a good football player. We're lucky to have him."
Garrett said falling behind like the Cowboys did in the first half forced the offense into more of a passing-mode, which takes Vickers out of the offense.
"I think Lawrence has done a good job. He hasn't played that much. I think he played 11 snaps on offense in the game Monday," Garrett said. "We've been in some different personnel groups. He's a physical player. He does a good job of kind of working his way through the line of scrimmage leading up to his assignment, typically blocking a linebacker."
Vickers is a six-year veteran who spent his first five seasons in Cleveland before going to Houston last year. Released by the Texans in the offseason, Vickers signed a two-year contract in March as one of seven veteran free agents to join the Cowboys.
He was expected to be an upgrade from last year's fullback Tony Fiammetta.
So far, the Cowboys rank 30th in the NFL in rushing at just 67.8 yards per game.
