Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy may have won more games than the average guy out there, but he was routinely maligned by fans and analysts alike for vanilla game plans that didn’t always get the most out of Dallas’ most exciting skill position players.
Despite game-breaking speed and a lack of quality wide receivers who could take touches away from him, Pro Bowl returner and moonlighting wide receiver KaVontae Turpin has not been featured in their offensive attack as often as many fans would like. That could all start to change in 2025.
According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Turpin is reportedly lining up in the backfield more often, even taking carries like a traditional running back would. Gone are the days when Turpin would be limited to his role as a returner and the occasional gadget weapon. He will seemingly be a big part of how Dallas rips apart opposing defenses.
Cowboys using wide receiver KaVontae Turpin in the backfield at minicamp
Turpin caught 31 passes for 420 yards and two touchdowns last season, all while rushing for 92 yards on 16 carries. Turpin has been used as a popular jet sweep gadget player, but putting him in the backfield could be an even more advantageous way to take advantage of his acceleration.
Turpin is not going to unseat a player like Javontae Williams or much-hyped rookie Jaydon Blue, but his speed is a very enticing weapon that should be used in much more creative ways than what McCarthy was doing. Think of what the Rams tried to do with former Cowboy Tavon Austin early in his career, but with more surrounding talent.
Brian Schottenheimer has often been criticized throughout his career for being too run-heavy and simple with his plans of attack, but adding Turpin to the backfield could be a sign that the often-criticized hire is trying to come up with some new ideas to get this team out of the doldrums.
With Dallas still lacking in skill position talent outside of CeeDee Lamb (we’ll see what George Pickens becomes), it would be a grave injustice to this overall offense if Turpin is not rewarded with an enhanced offensive role. The Cowboys need to shake things up if they are to compete with Washington and Philadelphia in the 2025 season.
