Studs and Duds: Lamb's poor performance can't overshadow Cowboys' Overshown, Dowdle

KaVontae Turpin’s raw numbers, four receptions on five targets for 53 yards, don’t look worthy of a stud performance, but how he accumulated those stats is stud-worthy. Turpin might be Dallas’ best weapon other than Lamb, and he never consistently gets touches on offense. The Cowboys tried to get him involved early and often, beginning with a pass reception behind the scrimmage line. Turpin went in motion and returned to where he started, but the snap came as he was just about to pass in front of the quarterback. Rush quick-tossed him the ball, and he ran for 16 yards. The offense ran the same motion style on the next snap, but it was a fake for Turpin. Rush found him in the flat for a six-yard gain. Turpin was targeted on the opening drive for the third straight play, but Rush overthrew him while he was open in the end zone.

Three targets on an opening drive for Turpin is unheard of, but he was made into a focal point for the game, and it worked early. He also hit a wide receiver screen that went for 30 yards later in the contest. They called plenty of motion plays and gave Turpin different types of opportunities. This is a great way to utilize a playmaker like Turpin and he didn’t disappoint.

You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or YouTube on the Across the Cowboys Podcast.