Through three Cowboys outings, KaVontae Turpin has already seen more involvement in the offense than he did for most of the past two seasons. So far, Turpin has recorded five receptions on eight targets, totaling 55 yards in the passing game, along with two rushing attempts for just three yards.
Before this season, in 33 games with the Cowboys, Turpin had been targeted 20 times, catching 13 passes for 136 yards. While he’s still not a central figure in the offense, Turpin has been contributing, and perhaps that role should expand.
That’s the argument from SB Nation’s Cowboys blog, Blogging the Boys. In a recent article by analyst Matthew Holleran titled, “2 players the Cowboys need to use more moving forward to get back on track,” Turpin was highlighted as a potential offensive solution.
Considering Dallas’ current 1-2 start, utilizing Turpin more frequently might be a wise decision.
“When KaVontae Turpin touches the football, good things tend to happen,” Holleran observed. “This season, the Cowboys have involved the 28-year-old in the offense a bit more, and it’s been effective. Through three games, Turpin has five receptions for 55 yards, three of which went for first downs, and one receiving touchdown.”
KaVontae Turpin’s Speed Is His Key Asset
Turpin’s most notable quality, and one that the Cowboys could use more of, is his speed—he boasts a 4.3-second 40-yard dash. Despite his small stature at 5-foot-9 and 153 pounds, Turpin’s speed has kept his football career alive, even after going undrafted out of TCU.
Turpin made his mark as an elite kick returner, joining the Cowboys after earning MVP honors in the USFL in 2022. His 29.2-yard kick return average in 2023 led the league among players with at least 10 returns, and his 63-yard return against the Rams in Week 7 set up a touchdown drive.
Turpin earned a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie due to his special teams success and currently leads the NFL in punt-return yards with 96 on five attempts, including a touchdown. If the Cowboys can better utilize his skills in both the return and passing game, it could benefit both Turpin and the team.
“Dallas’ offense lacks speed, and that’s Turpin’s best attribute,” Holleran noted. “This season, Turpin has shown he can be trusted to do more than just run jet sweeps or misdirection plays, and the Cowboys need to give him more opportunities.”
Cowboys Coach Mike McCarthy: ‘Proud of That Young Man’
Head Coach Mike McCarthy has consistently supported Turpin and had been working to integrate him more into the offense last season. Now, with the Cowboys facing a more challenging start, Turpin might provide the spark they need.
Coming into the 2023 season, Turpin needed to refine his route-running, but when given opportunities, he demonstrated his improvement.
After Turpin’s 34-yard touchdown in a Thanksgiving victory over the Commanders, McCarthy praised his execution: “The post route he runs, you can’t run it any better. His angle, his stride, his timing — they all put stress on the safety. You can see the safety reacting off Brandin (Cooks) as he goes off the redline. That’s a clear picture of the details Turp is playing with right now.”
McCarthy noted at the time that Turpin had more to offer, and perhaps now is the moment to fully explore that potential.
“He’s going to keep growing, and he’s done a great job in the receiver’s room,” McCarthy added, via the Cowboys website. “I’m really proud of that young man.”
