Cowboys studs and duds Week 7: Sam Williams breaks out

Stud: KaVontae Turpin, Returner

Once again, KaVontae Turpin was inches from ripping off a touchdown.

He hasn’t scored one in the regular season yet but he continues to provide a spark on special teams. In the third quarter, he broke a 52-yard punt return, and had he avoided one last player, he would have gone for six.

Unfortunately, the offense stalled and had to punt but Turpin put them in a perfect position to expand on their 10-6 lead. He’s going to wind up taking one to the house but just his ability to flip the field has already paid dividends.

Dud: Noah Brown, WR

So far this season, Noah Brown has been a pleasant surprise. He’s stepped up as the second wideout with James Washington and Michael Gallup injured. Even with Gallup back, he continues to see pass targets. Having said that, this wasn’t his best game.

Following the Lions taking a 6-3 lead, Brown was hit with an illegal block in the back which made it second-and-20 and unsurprisingly led to a punt. The following drive, he nearly made up for it as he hauled in a 14-yard pass at the Detroit three — but then fumbled after taking a huge hit. The Lions took over and were content to go into the half but the Cowboys missed out on a chance to either tie it or take the lead going into the half.

Brown finished strong with 50 yards on five receptions but he has to protect the ball better in the red zone.