Over the past three games, one player has stood out as consistent on the Cowboys offense. He’s only missed one target, collected 73 receiving yards, and averaged a 4.0 in yards per carry, albeit with a very small sample size. His name is Hunter Luepke.
And, he could be the solution to the Cowboys’ lackluster offensive structure.
Hunter Luepke: The Versatility the Cowboys Are Missing
An Unsung Hero in Luepke
While most eyes have been on Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, Luepke has been in the background making huge strides toward being a dynamic player for the Cowboys.
Looking closely at the stat chart, it’ll show that Luepke has the highest yards per carry for a running back on the team. Rico Dowdle came in at 3.9 YPC and Ezekiel Elliott only with 3.4 YPC.
Deuce Vaughn hasn’t even cracked 3.0 but that comes down to the odd style of play by Mike McCarthy, who insists on the running back by committee approach.
Luepke doubles as a running back and tight end. He can help handle the pass rush, be a quick out when Prescott is under pressure, and collect a couple of yards when he starts in the backfield.
Basically, there’s nothing he can’t do.
Bringing the Cowboys Run Game Back to Life
It’s a dead, lifeless thing, dangling in front of the offense.
Sure, the passing game looked great against the Giants, but even it had flaws. Failed conversions on third down and few red zone opportunities were the main problems.
All of that could be helped with a little power at running back.
Possibly because of the rotation, possibly because of lack of skill, the Cowboys run game isn’t looking good. They’ve collected a few first downs, but they haven’t made a dent in yards per game.
Against the Giants, where the Cowboys looked their best, they still failed to collect 100 rushing yards. And this is against a team that’s average at best.
This was the time to dominate and fans still received an elevated version of mediocrity.
Thinking back to the game against the Saints, what was valuable for them was Taysom Hill, who scored two touchdowns in his most recent game against the Falcons. This is a player who’s a running back, quarterback, tight end, and full back. Wherever he’s needed, he’s effective. At least, when he isn’t suffering from injuries.
Now, imagine Luepke being that for the Cowboys. Especially in the running game.
Hunter Luepke’s Versatility as a Player
Luepke can catch the ball. He can run the ball or make a block for some great downfield play. He can even help the run game by being a fullback and creating holes in the defense.
Everything that the Cowboys need right now.
While the Cowboys coaches and managers twiddle their thumbs about elevating Dalvin Cook from the practice squad, they can utilize all of their options.
They can play Luepke at running back for more than just two snaps in four games and see what he can do with the ball.
He’s big and hard to bring down. Hunter Luepke collected yards after the catch as a receiver, so there’s a good chance he can collect yards in a carry.
But he needs a chance to.
Potential Waiting for It’s Time to Explode
If the Cowboys offense wants someone who shakes up the game, they’ve got to use Luepke.
Their offense currently runs through CeeDee Lamb. They need more than that if they want to be a playoff contender or even just a breakeven team this year.
And all that they’re looking for is that player in a #40 jersey.
Main Image: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
