CeeDee Lamb’s Brutally Honest Self-Reflection After Shocking Drops: What’s Really Holding Him Back?

There’s a fresh buzz swirling around Dallas, and it’s centered on George Pickens, whose emergence has caught the eye of none other than Jerry Jones himself. The Cowboys’ owner and general manager didn’t mince words, making it crystal clear he envisions Pickens donning the iconic star on his helmet next season. It’s not just talk — it’s a reflection of the dynamic shifts unfolding after Pickens’ transition from the Steelers to Dallas. Meanwhile, CeeDee Lamb’s struggles with drops have sparked quite a conversation, though Jones maintains confidence in his star receiver. As the Cowboys gear up for crucial matchups, the interplay between Pickens’ breakout and Lamb’s redemption arc sets the stage for an electrifying offensive rollout. The narrative is as much about potential as it is about resilience — a storyline that keeps fans glued and analysts intrigued. LEARN MORE

George Pickens has broken out in Dallas, where owner and general manager Jerry Jones has said he “of course” wants the former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver to be wearing the star on his helmet next season.

“Would love to have him on the team,” Jones told reporters after the Cowboys rallied back from 21 points down to beat the Philadelphia Eagles this past weekend.

Jones continued: “By the way, I’d love to have 88 (CeeDee Lamb) on the team. And I know what we’re asking around here, but we sure like the way the combination is really letting us execute on offense.”

For the second time this season, drops haunted Lamb against the Eagles. Most notably, the four-time Pro Bowl wideout couldn’t hang onto a potential game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

He did make four grabs for 75 yards in the win, though.

Jones said he isn’t concerned about Lamb’s drops. But the 26-year-old has eight of them this season. That number is three off his career high, according to PFF. According to ESPN Research, however, it’s the highest drop total a Cowboys player has posted since Dez Bryant had nine during the 2012 season.

“You just find ways to get better,” Lamb said, via ESPN.

“You want to be solution-oriented and not really much to dwell on the problem. Granted, we know the problem, I need to catch the f***ing ball. Other than that, man, we’ll be fine. When I do catch it, be ready.”

PFF had Lamb down for four drops in Dallas’ season-opening defeat to the Eagles. The following game, he caught nine of his 11 targets for 112 yards in an overtime win over the New York Giants.

Dak Prescott is expecting something similar on Thanksgiving against the Kansas City Chiefs.

“A huge game. Just go back and look at the career,” Prescott said, via The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “Any game that maybe he’s not [played] to his standard or had a drop here or it’s been a frustrating game, the way he’s responded has been unquestionable. I know earlier this year it was the same way.

“From the first time we played [at Philadelphia] to his next game, I don’t expect this to be any different.”

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Lamb came into the season as the Cowboys’ WR1, but he’s looking up at Pickens on the team’s receiving leaderboard. He’s reeled in 44 passes for 632 yards and only 2 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Pickens has 67 receptions, 1,054 yards and 8 touchdowns to his name. It’s important to note that Lamb missed three games with a high ankle sprain.

Still, he’s on pace for a career-low reception percentage and a career-high drop rate, per PFF.

“It’s really just lack of focus on my end, honestly,” Lamb said, according to ESPN. “Just thinking doing two before one. There’s been plenty of that going on, and by that, I’m thinking about my next move before catching the ball and things of that nature.

“It’s not really much on anybody else but myself, and I’ve never been one to point the finger, but yeah, it’s all on me, and I got to handle that.”

Lamb is taking accountability. He’s hoping to lock back in Thursday for the NFL’s top passing attack.