The Cowboys bounced back from a tough loss to the Eagles with a 49-17 beatdown of the Giants in Week 10.
Brandin Cooks had a breakout performance in the game, and the defense was smothering in its effort, but the game once again highlighted the dominance and importance of CeeDee Lamb.
Lamb finished the game with 11 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. He became the first receiver in NFL history to have three consecutive games of 10 receptions and 150 yards.
Lamb’s involvement in the offense comes on the heels of a contentious loss to the 49ers in October. Lamb was visibly unhappy with his targets during the game, and has told the media in the weeks following that he just wants to help his team win.
It’s commonly said among football coaches, analysts, and fans that you shouldn’t stubbornly force the ball to a particular player, but what we’re finding out is that if you make up your mind that you’re going to get CeeDee Lamb involved, only good things happen.
Lamb has shown that increased targets don’t impact his efficiency. The last nine times Lamb has been targeted 10 times or more in a game, he’s gone over 100 yards every time. His catch percentage in those games is almost 80%. Committing to establishing your best player on offense every game isn’t the same thing as forcing the ball to a player.
Over the last year, CeeDee Lamb leads all NFL receivers in 100-yard games with 10. That’s more than Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, AJ Brown, or any other player you want to name.
When Lamb catches at least six passes, the Cowboys are 19-6. When he catches five or fewer, Dallas is essentially a .500 football team at 17-16.
Lamb is not lacking in confidence on the matter. Following Dallas’ victory over the Giants on Sunday, Lamb made a bold declaration about his ranking among NFL receivers.
“I’m the top receiver in this game and there is no question about it,” Lamb said. “If there is, I’ll see you again next week.”
The Cowboys would be wise to continue to feed into Lamb’s mindset.
