The Dallas Cowboys are making a statement on Sunday Night Football. While there is plenty of football left, an injury-riddled Dallas leads the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-14. The Bucs would make the playoffs if the season ended today, so this is highly impressive by the Cowboys.
It's been a collective effort up and down the roster, but we'd be remiss if we didn't recognize CeeDee Lamb's performance.
Lamb has played through an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder for well over a month. He isn't exposing himself to a more serious injury by playing through it. It's all about pain management. With the Cowboys eliminated from playoff contention, they are essentially playing for pride.
Having just signed a mammoth extension before the season, you could understand if Lamb took his foot off the gas.
That, is not how Lamb is wired, though. He's putting his body on the line in a meaningless game, proving once again that he is worth every pennty of his contract.
CeeDee Lamb honors Cowboys contract with incredible toughness on SNF
CeeDee Lamb is ridiculous
— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2024
📺: #TBvsDAL on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/JEmLyMdYWj
Lamb was removed from the game after that long reception. He was deemed questionable to return, but checked back in one snap later.
Fittingly Cooper Rush looked Lamb's way on the very next play and he made three defenders miss on a catch-and-run to move Dallas inches away from the red zone. It was initially ruled a touchdown, but replay showed No. 88's knee was down short of the goal line. Ezekiel Elliott scored on the very next play to give the Cowboys a 20-7 lead.
It's been obvious from day one that Lamb is a great player. Stars get paid but you want your alpha players to fight and compete regardless of circumstance. That is the difference between stars and future Hall of Famers.
It can't be overstated that this is a meaningless game. Lamb is effectively playing with less than two shoulders and he's been far and away the best player on the field for either team. He has passed every test with flying colors of what it takes to be an elite wide receiver. He's hurt, Dallas is eliminated from playoff contention and he won't stop being awesome.
Bigger than that, though, Lamb's attitude is reason to be bullish on the Cowboys' future. He proved long before Sunday night that he's worthy every penny, but his performance vs. the Bucs alone is exactly why the Cowboys made him one of the highest-paid WRs in NFL history.
Heck, Jerry Jones might not gave paid him enough.