5 sneaky threats Commanders should worry about vs. Cowboys in Week 18
By James Dudko
Commanders' special teams can't let KaVontae Turpin get loose
Jalen Tolbert's speed isn't the only worry for the Washington Commanders. The difference is KaVontae Turpin's ability to turn on the jets can hurt the home team in two phases of the game.
Turpin has averaged an eye-popping 10.5 yards on 10 rushing attempts. The former USFL standout for the New Jersey Generals showed off his elite speed on this 22-yard scamper against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14, per Next Gen Stats.
Kavontae Turpin reached a top speed of 21.91 mph on his 22-yard run, the 5th-fastest play by a ball carrier this season.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 11, 2023
Three of the top 5 speeds this season have come in the last two weeks, none by the Dolphins.#PHIvsDAL | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/bNKTuD0JP6
The numbers get better when Turpin has averaged 29.2 yards returning kicks. Special teams used to be a strength for the Commanders, but the unit has been beset by mistakes in every area this season.
If the Commanders let Turpin get loose, they'll lose the third phase and the game overall. As if Ron Rivera didn't have enough to worry about heading into what should be his final game as head coach.