The Dallas Cowboys were the center of attention this offseason for the wrong reasons. Well, are they ever in the spotlight for the right reasons? Jerry Jones’ squad is the most loved and most hated franchise in America at the same time.
This summer, the headlines were the fact that QB Dak Prescott needed a new contract, and the Cowboys were fortunate that he showed up for the team during the negotiations. They weren’t as fortunate with WR CeeDee Lamb.
Lamb decided to stay away from the team and work out on his own while his agent handled business with the Cowboys’ front office. His absence may have had unwanted repercussions on the Cowboys’ offense, however, and specifically regarding Lamb himself.
An obscure stat is making the rounds on Twitter/X over the past couple of days, and it shows the Cowboys’ offense needs an adjustment.
A Tale of 2 Lambs
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb has been two different players in the first and second halves of games so far this season.
First Half Success
CeeDee Lamb has been the usual playmaker we are used to seeing during the first halves of games this season. Here are his first half stats for each game thus far:
- at Cleveland: 4 receptions for 57 yards
- vs New Orleans: 4 receptions for 90 yards, 1TD
- vs Baltimore: 3 receptions for 58 yards
- at New York: 6 receptions for 94 yards, 1TD
- at Pittsburgh: 4 receptions for 53 yards
The Cowboys’ offense goes as QB Dak Prescott goes, but the next most important weapon is WR CeeDee Lamb. Lamb has been involved in the offense during the first half of games.
It’s apparent that he is a focal point of the offense, and head coach and play caller Mike McCarthy tries to get him involved early and often. Big Mike deploys Lamb in many different ways to put pressure on the defense.
Quick screens, slants, and even jet sweeps are used to work Lamb into the offense and give a heavy dose of him to the defense. First halves of games have not been the issue…
Second Half Disappearing Act
Lamb has inexplicably disappeared in the second half of all games this season. Here are his second half stats:
- at Cleveland: 1 reception for 4 yards
- vs New Orleans: 0 receptions for 0 yards
- vs Baltimore: 1 reception for 9 yards
- at New York: 1 reception for 4 yards
- at Pittsburgh: 1 reception for 9 yards
All I can say is wow. There really is no quick explanation for what has ailed Lamb in the second half of these games. Even though there are no easy answers to this riddle, the finger-pointing will surely start soon.
Who is to Blame?
I suppose that finger-pointing will start right now, and it will be me pointing the finger.
CeeDee Lamb
First, let’s start with CeeDee Lamb, himself. One of the main reasons for his disappearing act in the second half of games may be directly linked to the fact that he missed training camp during his contract dispute.
It seems like the Cowboys’ game plan works well in the first half, but once teams adjust at halftime, Lamb isn’t able to adjust along with them. Could it be because of the installation time he missed during camp?
Lamb also doesn’t help himself in the second half of games. During the Saints and Ravens games, he appears to shut down and show some of the diva traits that are so common in wide receivers in today’s NFL.
Showing frustration is okay. Giving less effort on the field is not. It got so bad during the Ravens game that Lamb was essentially benched for the entire 4th quarter as Dak and the rest of the offense nearly completed a comeback win after being down by 22 points.
Mike McCarthy
Could McCarthy himself be the culprit in Lamb’s second half woes? He would be foolish to purposely do this, so if it is him, I believe he is wrong for not calling more plays to get CeeDee open.
One of the common gripes from Cowboys fans is that our offense can never seem to scheme our best players open like other younger and more innovative offensive coordinators can. How many times have we seen players like Justin Jefferson, Davante Adams, or Cooper Kupp running wide open with no defender within 10 yards?
Most importantly, why don’t we ever see Lamb running open like that? At the end of the day, it’s McCarthy’s job to design and call plays to get his best weapon the football. Especially in games like the losses to New Orleans and Baltimore where the defenses are playing soft to protect a lead.
Dak Prescott
No, Dak Prescott can’t be one of the reasons Lamb has become invisible in the second half of games, can he?
Well, Prescott is the only player besides C Cooper Beebe who has the ball in his hands every play, and as the quarterback, he decides where the ball goes. Why hasn’t he looked Lamb’s way more?
I won’t put this blame totally on Dak Prescott because Lamb and McCarthy’s individual flaws mentioned above play a huge part in it. However, at some point, Prescott needs to “force” the ball to Lamb. Especially, in late-game situations where a comeback is needed.
I put the word “force” in quotations because I don’t mean just blindly throw the ball up to Lamb, but if he is in single coverage, give him a chance to go up and get it. Even in select double coverage looks, Prescott needs to give his most potent weapon a chance to make a play.
Whoever is to blame for Lamb’s absence in the second half of games, it needs to get fixed if the Cowboys hope to make the playoffs and go on a deep run.