The Dallas Cowboys are on the road to redemption after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 20-17.
After weeks of questioning why CeeDee Lamb was not getting more targets, Dak Prescott responded, and Lamb delivered.
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Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb’s Preparation Turns to Production
Earlier in the week, Lamb said Prescott approached him as the team prepared for the Monday Night Football matchup about how they could work better together, openly stating, “[Prescott] told me if I have a problem with anything to go up to him and talk about it and that he doesn’t care how it looks in the media. But the media is gonna do what the media does anyway.”
This came after the team’s Week 5 loss to the 49ers, with Lamb saying he didn’t know when asked what the offense’s identity was.
However, Prescott never waived his confidence in his starting receiver, saying it was the plan to get Lamb more opportunities this week.
“CeeDee is a guy that I’ll never lose confidence in and trust who he is and understand why he’s frustrated,” said Prescott earlier in the week.
Before this game, Lamb only had double-digit targets in the first week of the season.
But the preparation and confidence Prescott had in his starting receiver paid off as Lamb had 117 yards on seven receptions, averaging 16.7 yards per catch, making this his second 100-yard game so far this season.
After the ESPN broadcast, Lamb was asked how he maintained patience when he is open and not getting the ball. He said it’s tough but part of being a receiver in the NFL.
“Just being as impactful as I possibly can. Going into the game knowing any opportunity that I can, I gotta make the most of it, and now it’s making the most of every opportunity,” said Lamb, adding, “For me to come out and have this 100-yard game and a win it’s very meaningful.”
The Brandin Cooks Effect on Prescott and Lamb
Lamb wasn’t the only receiver cooking; Brandin Cooks had four receptions for 36 yards and the Cowboys’ lone receiving touchdown of the night.
MORE: Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart
This was also Cooks’ first touchdown as a Dallas Cowboy.
PRESCOTT TO COOKS. @DallasCowboys take the lead
📺: #DALvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/cKH8Z3jhNB pic.twitter.com/VdX89XRFkG— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2023
This was a performance that Prescott said Cooks was due for, stating, “The guy has been everything we asked for from the moment he came in during the Spring, as a true leader as a hell of a player on the field, and tonight he just reaped some of those benefits.”
After the game, Lamb gave credit to Cooks’ impact not only during the game but during his time on the team since being traded by the Texans earlier this year.
Lamb said Cooks influenced him to start showing up to The Star earlier than he used to.
“Just watching how hard he works, how consistent he is with his work, and the things he’s doing. It’s always intentional, and he does things almost second nature,” said the receiver.
The Cowboys will now go into their bye week 4-2, something Prescott says they can enjoy, get healthier, and come back to “sack up” more wins.