Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb Points to 49ers Loss as Turning Point

Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been on a heater lately, averaging 10 catches and 155 receiving yards over his past three games. The results came after Lamb only crossed the 100-yard threshold once in his first five games of the season, and those struggles were highlighted by his muted performance in Dallas’s 42-10 loss against the 49ers on Oct. 8.

After the San Francisco game, Lamb criticized the way he was being used in the Cowboys offense, as he had just four catches in four of his first five games. The wide receiver then spoke with the coaching staff and quarterback Dak Prescott, and he credits those talks with his hot streak.

“I feel like without that conversation we wouldn’t have really got to where we are now,” Lamb said, via The Associated Press. “And I feel like the elevation of the offense is amazing. I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful for Mike trusting in me. I’m grateful for the team trusting in me and my abilities.”

The Cowboys (5-3) are 2-1 since that loss to the 49ers, and the offense scored at least 20 points in each of the three games. Lamb’s performances in the past two games have been especially strong, as he recorded 23 catches and 349 receiving yards and two touchdowns in just those games alone.

However, coach Mike McCarthy downplayed how much speaking with Lamb sparked the production.

“It’s a great story, but I think he played this way last year, in my opinion,” McCarthy said. “Everybody is frustrated, and I appreciate those conversations. I don’t know if I’d say it’s a catalyst. I’d say it’s a reminder of what he can do with the ball.”

Dallas’s schedule sets up well, as they play the Giants (2-7), Panthers (1-8) and Commanders (4-5) in their next three games. Lamb has the opportunity to continue backing up his talk in the weeks to come.