Cowboys KaVontae Turpin Reacts to First TD: 'I Needed That!'
We heard all offseason that Mike McCarthy was going to use KaVontae Turpin in the Dallas Cowboys' new "Texas Coast Offense," and on Sunday night against the New York Giants, we saw it all come true.
In the 40-0 obliteration, Turpin was used as both a receiver and a running back as he managed to grab the first touchdown of his NFL career, which was a seven-yard run.
Reflecting on his night's work, you couldn't wipe the smile off Turpin's face.
“It was kind of great,” Turpin said. “I got my feet wet, got in the end zone. Feel like it was a great gameplan to utilize me, I feel like I took advantage of my opportunities."
The Cowboys rolled into the Giants' backyard, stole their lunch money, took their soul, and left utter devastation in their wake.
What's more, Turpin, who is all of 5-9 and 163 pounds, on his touchdown run, put his head down and drove for paydirt against the Giants' defense, and he revealed that he wanted all the smoke as he brought a level of physicality that even New York didn't have as he lowered his shoulder to score.
“Oh yeah, I wanted it,” Turpin said with a smile. “I had to get in there. I needed that for sure.”
McCarthy has called Turpin a "rocketship" with a football in his hands, and while we didn't see his home-run speed against New York, it was how he was used that was interesting.
Turpin finished his night with three rushes for 14 yards and a touchdown, and he caught two passes for 11 yards - not exactly swashbuckling numbers, but there lies the versatility that both the offense and defense have preached all offseason.
“I’m a playmaker,” Turpin said. “I did what I came here to do, be a playmaker for this team, we got a lot of speed so I’m glad they gave me a chance and take advantage of my opportunity.”
Turpin is just one of a host of offensive weapons for Dallas that didn't have to get out of second gear as Dan Quinn's defense tore the Giants apart.
It was a nice little cameo from Turpin as he finally got his chances in McCarthy's offense. Up next is a Aaron Rodgers-less New York Jets team that will not only have to gameplan for the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup - but for Dallas' new "rocketship" as well.
