“KaVontae Turpin Expresses Frustration Over Limited Special Teams Opportunities”
While special teams often fly under the radar in comparison to offense and defense, they remain a crucial aspect of football. The Dallas Cowboys have a remarkable asset in their return game, thanks to KaVontae Turpin, who is currently in his second season with the team following his impressive stint in the USFL.
Turpin possesses remarkable breakaway speed and is a constant threat to return kicks for touchdowns. However, it appears that opposing teams have taken notice of his abilities.
In the previous season, Turpin had a total of 50 returns across 17 games (comprising 29 punts and 21 kickoffs). This season, in just seven games (eight punts and five kickoffs), he has only had 13 opportunities. Turpin believes this decrease in chances is a clear indication of how opponents view him.
In his own words, Turpin stated, “Teams are still apprehensive about facing me, so I don’t anticipate receiving more opportunities.”
Although Turpin boasts career averages of 9.4 yards per punt return and 25 yards per kick return, he has yet to score a touchdown on special teams. This nearly changed during the Cowboys’ recent victory over the Los Angeles Rams, when Turpin ran a punt back for 87 yards, only to have the return nullified due to a holding penalty.
The upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles, however, presents a challenge, as the Eagles seldom punt and are proficient at limiting returns when they do. If Turpin hopes to make significant plays, he and the Cowboys’ special teams unit will need to capitalize on the few chances they get.
Turpin expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s frustrating because I don’t get many opportunities in the return game. So when I do get a chance, I don’t want to see any flags, especially when I make it all the way. At the same time, I encourage my teammates to give it their all in blocking. But that’s just part of the game. We’ll have another opportunity sooner or later.”
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