Has Special Teams Started to Become an Issue for the Cowboys?
The Dallas Cowboys suffered a disappointing loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday, just as they believed their season was beginning to improve. Dak Prescott did his best to keep the game competitive, bringing the Cowboys within three points with just under ten minutes remaining. However, the Lions pulled that dream away quickly, scoring on the ensuing drive to bring the game back to double digits. While the Cowboys' defense was playing poorly and rightfully so to be given most of the blame in a loss like this, another part of the team was holding the Cowboys back to start every defensive drive. The Dallas special teams have started to draw attention, but not in a way that the Cowboys would like.
Excluding Brandon Aubrey and Bryan Anger, the Dallas special teams have been bland as of late. The all-pro returner KaVontae Turpin has struggled to generate the same level of impact that he has been known for in the past. Not even being much of a threat on kickoff returns, with an average return being the regular. The worst part about special teams was the coverage group, which really was a huge factor in the loss to Detroit. The Lions' average starting position was their own 42-yard line, placing them in scoring position at the beginning of every drive. Once known for having one of the best special teams overall, the Cowboys’ assemble has begun to reveal significant weaknesses.
How should the Cowboys address this issue now? For starters, they could consider a different strategy for kickoffs. Instead of kicking the ball to the returner, who frequently brings it back to around the 40-yard line, they could opt for touchbacks instead. The suggestion of opting for touchbacks might seem like admitting defeat, but if it forces the opposing team further back than the coverage team can, it should be considered. Another potential adjustment involves exploring different options at kick returner. Turpin has been experiencing mental lapses and struggles to make an impact as a returner. Therefore, it may be beneficial to try out different players in that role to explore new options. Rookie Jaydon Blue used to field kicks in his time at Texas, and the change could be the spark he needs to get his head into the game. The Cowboys' special teams has elite players on it; they just need to find their footing to help the Cowboys try and steal the NFC East that is fading away by the week.
