Should the Cowboys rein in KaVontae Turpin's offensive role to boost his return game? The answer might surprise you.
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Brett Miller from Ft. Worth, TX, sparks a debate: KaVontae Turpin’s offensive snaps are on the rise, and he’s delivering highlight-worthy plays. But his punt and kickoff return averages have dipped this season. Is his growing offensive role diluting his return prowess? Should the Cowboys reconsider and prioritize him as their primary return specialist? Here’s the breakdown.
Absolutely not, says our expert. The electrifying speedster thrives when the ball is in his hands—whether it’s through passes, handoffs, or returns. His presence alone strikes fear into opponents, daring them to kick it his way. But here’s where it gets controversial: While Turpin’s return abilities are undeniable, the dip in his averages isn’t solely on him. Blocking plays a massive role in return success, and this season, it’s been underwhelming at best. For instance, against the Chiefs, Turpin logged just 26 offensive snaps out of 64 and a mere 10 special teams snaps—including zero punt returns and five kickoff returns. Even if he were benched on offense, he’d only have had five touches. And this is the part most people miss: Limiting his offensive role doesn’t guarantee a return resurgence, especially if the blocking remains subpar. As Turpin himself says, ‘Speed kills,’ and reducing his touches could stifle his game-changing potential.
Now, let’s stir the pot: Should the Cowboys double down on Turpin’s offensive role, trusting his speed to outshine any blocking inconsistencies? Or is it time to refocus him on returns, hoping for a turnaround? Share your take in the comments—we want to hear your boldest opinions!
