How much has the emergence of DeMarco Murray contributed to the Cowboys' success?

* Well, Todd Archer writes that the rookie running back has made life easier on a number of fronts -- from quarterback Tony Romo to the Cowboys' offensive line to even the defense.

But especially the offensive line, which was considered a weakness earlier this season. Writes Archer:

Before Murray, the Cowboys were patching the line together with two rookies (Tyron Smith and Bill Nagy), a first-time starter (Phil Costa) at center and a veteran making a position switch (Kyle Kosier). They had three left guards in the first six games before Holland's return settled down the group.

"There probably is no group on a football team that needs to communicate better than the offensive line," Garrett said. "There are a lot of calls they make together and there is a lot of communication that happens right before the snap that they have to be on top of and be on the same page. And so the more times you get the chance to do that in practice and in games, hopefully you'll get better at it."

For more, read here.

* Jean-Jacques Taylor believes another person that could benefit from Murray's success is none other than Felix Jones, who Murray replaced as the starting running back.

Jason Garrett can let Murray carry the ball and wear down the defense, and pick his spots to let Jones attack the perimeter with stretch plays and tosses or the middle of the defense with one of the many draw plays the Cowboys use.

Garrett can also use Jones on screens or create plays that isolate him against linebackers, a mismatch worth exploiting any time it occurs.

Say what you want, but Jones has averaged 41.2 yards on his 11 career touchdowns. Six of his touchdowns have been on plays of 46, 49, 60, 71, 73 and 98 yards.

For more, read here.

* So has Murray done enough thus far to be considered the leader in the clubhouse to be the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year? Vote in our latest Hot Button.