Move on from the Turpin experiment

[Bullflop]

he was upset with himself for fair catching a returnable kick

I noticed that, too -- the good ones are usually hard on themselves and ultimately, find ways to maximize their game. He fits that mold.

 

[mahoneybill]

he was upset with himself for fair catching a returnable kick

Agree. In many cases the gunners are on him quick, and he still makes positive yards, and to date minus a sideline, no impact miscue has been excellent fielding punts, and deciding when to advance kick offs.

 

[Bullflop]

He's often looked very good and provided a spark. And he's cheap. Keep him at it.
We have his rights for 3 years. We have an interest in developing him further.

I can easily picture him surprising some people in the playoffs, if we're fortunate enough to get there! That'd really be exciting!

 

[Bullflop]

Turpin has the talent to explode on returns at any given time.

He'll likely improve with additional NFL experience.
He just needs to get more confidence.

 

[Jake]

Is anyone else ready to test someone else on kick return? I've seen Turpin run right into guys instead of trying to avoid them. I mean he does have the speed to get to the outside and blow past guys right?? Maybe try #34 back there, see what's happens or even Tolbert. We can't say he hasn't been kicked to, because he has several times .

He's second in the NFL, and first in the NFC, in punt return average. No complaints with that part of his job.

He's not doing so well on kickoffs, though. I wouldn't mind seeing someone else get a look there, but outside of Pollard I don't know who else has experience doing it.

Obviously, we don't want Pollard doing that anymore.

 

[buybuydandavis]

That's a lie, we don't use him

I've seen Turpin return punts. He's the only player to return a punt for us this season.

 

[ryanbabs]

I think he breaks one soon…

 

[RonWashington]

Turpin had a fairly miserable return night but I think it was the hangover of seeing TCU drive off the parking garage as Kansas State spoiled a certain Georgia route of the Horned Frogs. I kind of like getting the ball at the 25 anyway .

 

[lostar2009]

He's doing a good job. No turnovers and get some yards. Can't get a TD every go.

 

[KJJ]

Dude is averaging 12 yards a punt return. He’s good.

He’s obviously upset about the kickoffs he didn’t get back to the 20 yard line.

 

[plasticman]

KaVontae Turpin ranks #14 in yards per kick return with 23.5. Minimum 10 kick returns

KaVontae Turpin ranks #8 in yards per punt return with 12.4. minimum 10 punt returns.

KaVontae Turpin is one of only 15 NFL players with 10 or more kickoff returns and 10 or more punt returns. Among that group he ranks #6 in both categories of average yards.

 

[buybuydandavis]

Is anyone else ready to test someone else on kick return? I've seen Turpin run right into guys instead of trying to avoid them. I mean he does have the speed to get to the outside and blow past guys right?? Maybe try #34 back there, see what's happens or even Tolbert. We can't say he hasn't been kicked to, because he has several times .

Turpin is not an experiment. He's an experienced returner with a demonstrated record of good decisions and catching the ball. Of kickoff returners with more than 10 returns, he's about 15th for yards per return. For similar punt returners, he's 7th. He has demonstrated juice.

#34 would be an experiment, and with limited upside because of limited speed.

If anyone else on the team had a strong history in college, he would have been considered, and Turpin beat him out. I think Pollard had the history, but he didn't seem to have the knack for it in the NFL, and we should avoid the injury risk to him for the limited return we got from him as a returner. He was not Prime Time back there.

Turpin is an experienced returner doing well in his first year in the NFL. I see no reason to rock the boat and risk a new player at the tail end of the season. Stick with demonstrated competence.

In the offseason we can decide whether his value as a returner and potential value on offense justifies a roster spot for a pure returner. I prefer RBs with RB size as returners. These guys have a record of taking punishment and holding onto the ball. And they have developmental upside as eventual full participants on the offense.

 

[Twin928]

And wen he break one to turn a hand or two n the playoffs I want u to disappear from the thread cuz it’s stupid

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

He keeps making fair catches on balls that could be returned. He shouldn't be replaced, but he should be encouraged to return more.

 

[JoiseyCowboyfan]

I'd actually rather he just let the ball go through the endzone. He seems to almost always get tackled around the 15 when brings it out. No reason in the world to be trying to act like some hero. Just give this offense the ball in the 25 to start.

Not sure why any team would want a kickoff returner to return the ball. The risk is so high and very few returns get past the 25. Many times there is a penalty and the team is backed up or there is a turnover. There are very few returners who should be taking the ball out rather than the touchback. I can see if you are way behind and want to take a chance or need a spark, but otherwise take the TB.

 

[Runwildboys]

Turpin has the talent to explode on returns at any given time.

He'll likely improve with additional NFL experience.
He just needs to get more confidence.

He needs better, more consistent blocking. He probably fair caught that one because he didn't expect the gunners to be blocked.

 

[Jipper]

I think he breaks one soon…

Said everyone since week 1!!

I jest, I like him and hes sure handed, glad to have him

 

[glimmerman]

He does fine. It’s harder to return kickoffs. And punts he is doing good. He will break one..

 

[Runwildboys]

He keeps making fair catches on balls that could be returned. He shouldn't be replaced, but he should be encouraged to return more.

I'd prefer he err on the side of caution, if at all.

 

[JoiseyCowboyfan]

You think its bad here, just jump into the live game threads sometime...

Probably similar to the FB pages for the Mets. Alonso is leading the league in RBIs & HRs and strikes out and he sucks balls. The stoopid there is comical.