It was a slow first three quarters for the Dallas Cowboys offense, but things got to speed in the fourth quarter thanks to the doomsday defense. Dallas was able to pull away to win against the Carolina Panthers. Cowboy fans have been very fortunate to see these blowout wins each time they face a team with a losing record. CeeDee Lamb surprisingly had a slow start, but he still recorded at least a touchdown.
Dak Prescott also had surprising stats that day only recording 189 passing yards for a 66% completion rate. However, he still had a clean game with no interceptions or a sack. Calm down, NFL media, it’s not your time to criticize Prescott just yet. What’s more concerning is how these stats are painting a strange picture.
The flow of the game may be a concern for the Cowboys. They get off with a slow start or stay afloat with pure dominance. Whatever that case may be, there is one special playmaker who deserves more playing time that can speed up the production of this offense. The Cowboys weren’t slow against a 1-8 team for no reason, so something needs to change to give other talent reps.
KaVontae Turpin is that guy who needs to stay in the mix consistently. It’s great that Dallas is finally using Brandin Cooks as they should’ve. However, a problem could be for Cooks’ lack of production is the way they use him.
Turp speed 😮💨 @KaVontaeTurpin
📺: NBC & NFL+ ➡️ https://t.co/yLMhJNTZjs pic.twitter.com/tR4nGBr3Mi
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 9, 2023
Dallas Cowboys Playmaker Is the Future of the Offense
Swap Brandin Cooks for KaVontae Turpin
It might have been because Dallas was using Cooks too much. Yes, Lamb had most of those catches, which could be the reason. However, if Mike McCarthy could develop a special system for this offense to keep swapping receivers, then lay the hammer. There’s no point in having a receiver on the third drive after they lacked the first two.
As the saying goes in the league, there’s no such thing as having “too many receivers.” This is why it’s great that Dallas brought in Martavis Bryant so he’s ready to go off the practice squad. Perhaps, instead of solely having Turpin as a punt returner, then consider switching him to the slot. The Cowboys could switch Cooks to create some noise in the deep route as he did earlier in his career with the Texans.
However Dallas may go about this, this is a reasonable route to keep this offense rolling and consistent. The last thing they can afford is for the offense to lag at all. This could end up being the downfall of the next game.
The Speed Puts a Bandaid on Potential Injuries
Cowboys fans know the brutal history of injuries, especially in crunch time for the playoffs. The offensive line depth is lacking for Dallas so one crack in that area might wreak havoc. This team’s offensive line is heavily dependent on stars like Zack Martin and Tyron Smith to remain healthy. Despite some lack from Terrance Steele, he’s still a crucial part of this team’s success.
Just imagine, Cowboys fans, what if two major stars from that offensive line were to fall flat? It could just mean doomsday indeed for the Cowboys. However, hold your breath just a little longer. If Dallas can get their young receivers in the mix early, they could prepare for that day to happen.
This would only mean that McCarthy could cook up some quick slant plays for Prescott. Turpin is perfect for this situation, especially with the speed he has. You never know what will come for the Cowboys so time to start preparing. Of course, it’s not the only reason why he should be more involved.
Expectations for KaVontae Turpin This Season
He made it in the Pro Bowl in his first year so what’s the hold up, Dallas? Turpin is hungrier than ever for the next opportunity. The Cowboys have gone to great lengths to utilize their playmakers in the past. They are getting Jalen Tolbert and Rico Dowdle in the mix at times during games.
In the past, they have gotten talents like Dwayne Harris and Lucky Whitehead to dabble with a new uprising wide receiver gadget. That’s all in the past though so Dallas will have to see what the future holds. If they can utilize their offense correctly at the right times, then expect the team to go far.
For now, if the Cowboys can let the turkey loose early to feast then they can see great things from their talent they may not be using the right way. Turpin’s glare of life as a punt returner only shows how special he really can be. His skill set and stamina don’t go unnoticed, especially from screaming die-hard Dallas fans.
Main Photo: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
