It’s Turpin Time: double punt-return TDs bring Cowboys to victory
The former TCU standout KaVontae Turpin proved to be a great signing for Dallas as he brought in two punt-return TDs in the Cowboys’ win over the Chargers.
The Cowboys’ storyline in their preseason opener against the Broncos was the amount of penalties they got (17, the most of any NFL team in preseason up to that point). But on Saturday, against the Los Angeles Chargers, the story was quite different.
The Cowboys signed former TCU standout KaVontae Turpin in the offseason, and tonight, he proved why that was a great decision and why he should be the Cowboys’ designated punt returner. First, he took off with a punt return for 98 yards, barely being touched by anyone on the Chargers’ side. He ran behind the LA defense and found the hole and his speed got him all the way into the end zone to give the Cowboys a touchdown and their first lead of the night.
Just before halftime, he did it again. He took off with the punt return 86 yards down the field for yet another touchdown, putting Dallas up 29-10 going into halftime.
“On the punt return, I had to make people miss and be shifty,” said Turpin. “I am just happy my guys blocked, and I’m just blessed to be on this team. I’m an exciting player, and every time I get the ball, there’s a big play waiting to happen. I’m happy to be here and take advantage of this opportunity.”
At TCU, Turpin returned four punt returns for touchdowns, and it would appear the former Horned Frog has still got it. After his time at TCU, he spent some time playing in the USFL and won the league MVP. He had 540 receiving yards and 316 yards after the catch, four receiving TDs, a punt-return for a score, and the league’s highest 15.3 yards per punt return.
The 25-year old is putting in the work to earn his spot on the Cowboys’ 53-man roster.