Sunday is a big day for many teams as the playoffs are now in sight. The Dallas Cowboys are 12-4 and still have a slim chance of capturing the NFC East crown.
Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy have noted that they are playing to win this weekend and have no plans to sit any starters. Outside of the Cowboys having a chance to improve their seeding and win the division with some help, one player can set a Cowboys single-season record.
CeeDee Lamb is 10 catches shy of breaking the Cowboys’ sing-season reception record. That is currently held by Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin, who hauled in 111 balls in 1995.
Double-digit catches in a game is no easy task, but Lamb has three games this season with at least 10 receptions, which include two straight coming into week 18. Lamb has an excellent opportunity to break a record that Irvin has held for over 20 years.
Lamb currently sits with 102 catches for 1307 yards and eight touchdowns. Remember all the talk about whether or not he could be a true No. 1 wide receiver? He has answered those critics, and he has been balling this season.
Since Dak Prescott returned from injury, Lamb has FIVE 100-yard + games. The offense is playing really good football, and with the help of T.Y Hilton, it has improved.
I thought Lamb would finish with 1,000 yards, but I did not see this type of production coming. He has become a true No. 1 WR. Someone Prescott and the offense can rely on when needed.
I am not sure Lamb knows how close he is to the record, but I am sure the coaching staff will keep an eye on the Eagles game that will be kicked off at the same time as the Cowboys game on Sunday afternoon if the Eagles control that game against the Giants, who probably won’t play any starters.
So what does this mean for the Cowboys?
It would be great to see Lamb break this record that has been held for so long. Yes, I understand he might do it with an extra game, but to even get that close without having Prescott for five weeks and listening to so many outside people say he couldn’t become a true No. 1.
It would be a huge confidence booster going into the playoffs. Washington is starting rookie quarterback Sam Howell, so the Cowboys’ offense should have plenty of chances to possess the ball.
The Cowboys need Hilton or Michael Gallup to step up in the playoffs. This can’t be a one-man show with Lamb. Dalton Schultz has been solid, but unless your name is Travis Kelce or Mark Andrews, your first or second option should not be a TE.
Hilton and Gallup started to come around last week. This would also be a good game for them to try and gain some confidence as they roll into the playoffs.
We saw how last year ended, but as weird as it sounds, this team is much more balanced on both sides of the ball than last year.