Playmaker is starting to become a liability for the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys performance against the Washington Commanders is not indicative of the whole season but rather the last five games. Sloppy from everyone, including the coaches, but this time weren't able to steal a victory despite bad play. Something this team has thrived on recently, coming to an abrupt halt. The same can be […]
The Dallas Cowboys performance against the Washington Commanders is not indicative of the whole season but rather the last five games.
Sloppy from everyone, including the coaches, but this time weren't able to steal a victory despite bad play. Something this team has thrived on recently, coming to an abrupt halt.
The same can be said for the Cowboys returner KaVontae Turpin. The former USFL MVP who flashed in the preseason with a kick and punt return for touchdown and followed it up with a fantastic first season in the NFL.
Being one of the best kick and punt returners in the league, earning a deserved Pro Bowl nod in his first season.
However, in recent weeks his speed and home run ability have looked more like a player trying to make something out of nothing and giving up costly mistakes.
From Weeks 1-11, Turpin was the only player in the NFL to have a (qualified) top five kick and punt return average in the NFL. In Week 12 against the NY Giants, he fielded no punts or kicks. Symbolically being the dividing line of his season.
Since then (Weeks 13-17), his kick return yards are up in that time frame by more than nine yards per attempt. However, he is getting more chances as a punt returner, with his average dropping six yards. As well as losing two of the Cowboys fumbles in those five games.
What's been just as bad is his obvious desire to take it the distance. Understandable considering, he has that ability and the Dallas Cowboys know it. The issue has been his desire for a long return is actually hurting Dallas.
Often taking kicks that should either be fair caught or allowed to bounce behind him, even at the risk of getting downed inside the 10. Taking too many chances on himself and putting the Cowboys at risk.
At one time the leader in return yards average, his end of season ranking is down to 17th. However, this can be askew as a handful of players only have 5-10 returns to their name.
Among all players with at least 25 punt returns, Turpin is third in the league for the season with a 10.4 yards/return average. As well as seventh in the NFL with at least 20 kick returns with 24.2 Y/R. Meaning his season as a whole is still an overall success.
The issues stem from recent weeks. It's obvious he has the ability to go all the way but the conservative approach is sometimes best.
In fairness, there could be extenuating circumstances. His last game in the USFL was on June 25th 2022 after starting April 16th. Before being signed to the Cowboys only 33 days later. Burnout is a real possibility.
Regardless of the reasons, Turpin is still an essential part of the game but is playing like a liability of late.
The Dallas Cowboys have shown what they can do offensively with better field position as a result of a quality return but forcing it is only hurting them, and the team as a whole.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke of USA TODAY Sports
