CeeDee Lamb ready to be No. 1 receiver in Cowboys’ attack

By David Helman
FOX Sports activities Dallas Cowboys Author

OXNARD, Calif. — How can the youngest man within the room want a veteran’s break day? 

It is a heck of a juxtaposition, as a result of that first half is in some way true. Apart from undrafted rookie Dennis Houston, who’s simply two weeks youthful, CeeDee Lamb is the youngest broad receiver on this Cowboys roster. 

And but, with a Professional Bowl underneath his belt — to not point out some lofty expectations awaiting him within the common season — it is the youngin’ who took a break day from the pains of coaching camp Saturday afternoon. 

Dak Prescott endorses CeeDee Lamb as Cowboys’ No. 1 receiver

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott formally endorsed CeeDee Lamb because the workforce’s new No. 1 receiver. Greg Jennings debates whether or not Lamb might be Dallas’ essential man.

“That is one among Mike [McCarthy’s] traits, is to handle the older guys …” Cowboys chief working officer Stephen Jones mentioned. “Zack Martin and Tyron Smith, they do not want the grind. They should be sharp, however they do not want the grind.” 

There is a key distinction between Smith, Martin and Lamb, clearly. The previous two are nicely into their 30s, stacking credentials to Corridor of Fame-caliber careers. 

Lamb simply turned 23, with an NFL eternity in entrance of him. 

No matter youth, that greater than something appears like an indicator of the place issues stand for Lamb coming into an all-important Yr 3. 

“He is undoubtedly prepared,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy mentioned firstly of camp. “You discuss in regards to the flanker place on this offense. That’s the premier, primary spot for our receiver group.” 

It is a humorous thought {that a} man who has completed a lot within the NFL may not be prepared, however that speaks to the state of affairs Lamb stepped into again in 2020. 

These previous two seasons, Lamb fashioned the final a part of a terrifying trio of 1,000-yard receivers. Amari Cooper is clearly gone, traded to Cleveland in March. Michael Gallup confirmed final week that he’ll miss a minimum of a few of the common season. 

The world needs to know if Lamb can do it as the purpose man. To listen to it from him, the expertise working with receivers on the prime of their recreation is what makes Lamb suppose he can do that. 

“With out me going by means of what I went by means of my first two years, I do not suppose I would be as assured in myself as I’m as we speak,” Lamb mentioned. “Coop did quite a bit for me that I can anticipate extra out of myself. He had much more confidence in me than I did my rookie 12 months.” 

Cooper’s confidence would not appear to have wavered. The four-time Professional Bowler appeared on Dallas radio just lately and mentioned Lamb has “been prepared” for a No. 1 position. Though he did throw within the caveat that it trusted whether or not offensive coordinator Kellen Moore determined to characteristic him — a remark that many suppose was a jab supposed at Cooper’s utilization within the Cowboys’ scheme. 

No matter Cooper’s intent, Lamb mentioned he took the phrases as a praise from his pal. He additionally did not hesitate when requested if he thought he’d be featured within the offense. “Most undoubtedly,” he mentioned. 

For sure, Lamb is on a really brief record of men who must make it by means of this preseason unscathed. Whereas Gallup is sidelined, Lamb and tight finish Dalton Schultz are the one beginning pass-catchers coming back from final 12 months’s passing assault. 

The opposite roles have been stuffed by both newcomers corresponding to James Washington, or rookies corresponding to Jalen Tolbert. 

It isn’t misplaced on quarterback Dak Prescott, who understands Lamb goes to be a key component of conserving final 12 months’s finest offense on observe in 2022. 

“I really feel like we had a superb connection, however simply realizing that he will be a man that we’ll depend on, and he understands that,” Prescott mentioned. “That is why I credit score his mentality. I credit score his strategy and simply the way in which that he confirmed up each day within the offseason.” 

The early returns look good. 

Lamb is certainly a focus of this offense, usually shifting in movement when the starters take the sector. On Friday, he made his first highlight-reel play with a one-armed seize of a Prescott flag route 20 yards downfield. That has turn out to be the norm at Cowboys coaching camp, going again to his rookie 12 months. 

Now comes time to take middle stage. And for no matter questions may linger on the surface, there’s zero doubt inside this camp that he’ll achieve this simply high quality. 

“He is constructed for it. He got here in right here making performs,” Gallup mentioned. “Everyone knew about CeeDee Lamb earlier than he even stepped on the sector. So, he is undoubtedly received it underneath his belt. He will do what he does.”

David Helman covers the Dallas Cowboys for FOX Sports activities, offering every day perception and evaluation on the NFL’s most seen franchise. Previous to becoming a member of FOX, David spent 9 seasons overlaying the Cowboys for the workforce’s official web site, DallasCowboys.com. In 2018, he gained a regional Emmy for his position in producing “Dak Prescott: A Household Reunion” in regards to the quarterback’s time at Mississippi State.

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