(Editor’s Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in ‘Mailbag’ presented by Miller Lite.)
Do you see anyone challenging KaVontae Turpin as a returner? Will he also have to stand out as a receiver to keep the job? – Nathan Mattison*/Argyle, NY*
Patrik: To be frank with you, no, I don’t see anybody creating any real issues for Turpin at returner. He had a down season, absolutely, but he’s still arguably the best in the league and, oh by the way, a two-time All-Pro at the position. I expect he’ll bounce back with having a second offseason for he and his new special teams coordinator to figure things out. I do believe there’s competition to step into the role in the event that (knock on wood) Turpin misses any sort of time due to unexpected injury, though.
My first thought goes to running back Jaydon Blue, and rightfully so, because he’s a shifty speedster that isn’t unfamiliar with the duties. I’ll throw a curveball here, however, and say fans should keep an eye on rookie receiver Anthony Smith. He’s also got a twin-turbo motor that makes him a nightmare in the open field and might be what the Cowboys hoped Parris Campbell would become here. So between those two, I think the Cowboys are in a good space behind Turpin … key word: behind.