The CeeDee Lamb discourse really got out of hand in recent days after he dropped three passes in the Dallas Cowboys' Week 12 win.
While it wasn't the first time that Lamb's drops hindered the team in a big game this season, it was pretty disconcerting to see how many Cowboys fans turned on him. It culminated in Dallas radio hosts calling Lamb a "fake leader", and the rise of George Pickens has prompted some pretty needless and toxic conversations about who's the better wide receiver.
Just like he has throughout his career, Lamb bounced back with a monster performance in Dallas' 31-28 statement win over the Kansas City Chiefs. And when he was asked for his message to the doubters, the two-time All-Pro delivered one that should worry every opponent left on the Cowboys’ schedule.
Keep talking. I see y'all. That's my message. I see it," Lamb said, via Cowboys team reporter Patrik Walker.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb sends defiant message to his haters
Lamb caught seven of nine targets for 112 yards and a touchdown. He got the Cowboys on the board with a huge score after the Chiefs jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead.
Beyond the box score, Lamb drew three defensive pass interference penalties, including one on the final drive that gave Dallas a fresh set of downs and helped put the game on ice. He had Chiefs star cornerback Trent McDuffie in a blender all game long.
While Pickens' long catch-and-run in the fourth quarter was the "wow" moment of the game, Pickens didn't come alive until the final 15 minutes. It was Lamb -- and obviously, Dak Prescott -- who carried the offense for most of the game.
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Lamb reminded everyone that he's still one of the best in the world at his position. There was a lot of chatter on social media after the win over the Eagles about trading Lamb, torching his leadership, and anointing Pickens as the better player. It's one thing to criticize a great player following a bad game, but the discourse quickly turned toxic for absolutely no reason.
Sometimes, Lamb will carry the offense. Sometimes, Pickens will put the offense on his back. And most of the time -- like on Thursday -- both of them will step up for the team. It's the luxury of having two elite receivers. Stop trying to divide them.
If the Cowboys' win over Kansas City is a sign of things to come, they are going to get the best version of Lamb over the final five games as they continue to push for a playoff spot. Maybe folks will think twice the next time they doubt No. 88.
It never works.