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Earlier during this offseason I predicted that the Dallas Cowboys would part ways with fullback Lawrence Vickers; it appears the time has come.
On Friday, the Cowboys released the seven-year pro in a move that will save the team $1.2 million in cap space, which if not used is accredited to next year’s salary cap.
The Cowboys said that they were moving in a different direction on offense and would rely more on two and three tight end sets, ultimately eliminating the need for a true fullback. When the Cowboys went out and signed tight end Dante Rosario, the writing was on the wall for Vickers.
The Cowboys will also be implementing a zone-run blocking scheme that, in my opinion, suits DeMarco Murray’s running style better. DallasCowboys.com writer and former NFL scout Bryan Broaddus thinks that this new scheme will benefit Murray also.
“In watching OTA and mini-camp practices, Bill Callahan was taking plenty of reps to run plays where the offense went without a full back, or when they needed one, it was Rosario lining up in an offset formation and filling in that role,” Broaddus said. “It was more single back, zone runs. What I really like about this zone scheme, that Callahan is working with for this offense that it will play to the true strengths of Murray.”
Broaddus and I both think that Vickers’ release won’t be such a big deal because of the direction in which the team is headed. It simply doesn’t need a fullback. In these “12” and “13” personnel schemes Murray projects to be a much more productive player than he’s been as of late.
In this scheme there won’t be someone holding Murray up, there won’t be anyone needing to get somewhere before Murray can make his cut and that should really benefit Murray thanks to his impressive vision and elusiveness.
Jesus Flores is a Dallas Cowboys writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @SSgtFlo1 or add him to your network on Google
