The Dallas Cowboys did not look great in their joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams. While that wasn't by design, Brian Schottenheimer clarified on Wednesday that the defense only played two coverages and that he didn't dive deep into the offensive playbook.
There are a lot of things to clean up, but there were also a lot of positives. Joe Milton connected with Jalen Brooks for a long touchdown and CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens had their way with the Rams' secondary.
However, it was none other than KaVontae Turpin who emerged the biggest winner from the scrimmage. Turpin was among the most active players on Dallas' offense, which tracks with everything we've seen from him throughout training camp.
Brian Schottenheimer's plan could fuel a big season from Cowboys WR KaVontae Turpin
Schottenheimer was very complimentary of Turpin afterwards.
The guy is just a dynamic weapon,” Schottenheimer said,via The Athletic's Jon Machota. “The things he can do running and catching and the quickness and agility that he has is just different. I think we feel like we got a much better sense for how we’re using him. Late in practice we kind of moved CeeDee (Lamb) outside and Turp went inside. Those guys are a little bit interchangeable. I think he’s going to have a fabulous year. I really do, in every facet."
Turpin has been making plays in Oxnard regardless of who's under center. On Tuesday, he caught passes from third-string quarterback Will Grier after backup Joe Milton suffered a thumb injury and was removed from practice for precautionary reasons.
Read More:Cowboys should follow this blueprint if they decide to trade Micah Parsons
While Jalen Tolbert or Jonathan Mingo will get listed as WR3 on the depth chart, Turpin's usage in camp hints he'll be the third-most targeted receiver on the depth chart behind Lamb and Pickens. If he doesn't finish third in targets, he may finish third in touches.
The 29-year-old has been targeted plenty as a receiver, but he’s also taking far more handoffs under Schottenheimer than he did under Mike McCarthy.
Turpin had just 47 touches last season (31 catches, 16 carries). While that was a career high, it was still far too low for an offense desperate for explosive plays beyond CeeDee Lamb. Turpin is on track to blow past that number in 2025, and could emerge as one of the NFL’s true breakout players.
More Cowboys News and Analysis