For quite some time, CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, faced criticism regarding his attitude during games when the team struggled. Some of that criticism was valid.
However, it would be unfair not to acknowledge the significant change that has occurred in 2024, especially after quarterback Dak Prescott was sidelined for the season in Week 9. Lamb has stepped up into a major leadership role within the team.
When asked on Thursday about finding motivation with the team at 5-8 and their slim postseason chances following a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Lamb’s response was straightforward. “What do you mean? Still, to win the game, regardless,” he told reporters ahead of Week 15. “At the end of the day, we still have to win the game. That’s the motivation.”
Though the Cowboys are not mathematically eliminated yet, their path to the playoffs is daunting. Even if they win all their remaining games to reach nine victories, making the playoffs would be a challenge, as there are already two NFC Wild Card teams with at least nine wins, and a third with eight.
Nonetheless, Lamb emphasizes that the team doesn’t dwell on those statistics.
“We have to win out, so for anything else to happen—all the help we need—we must do our part,” Lamb stated. “We need to focus on one game at a time. We shouldn’t worry about anything else at this point. Everyone needs to concentrate on their responsibilities and let everything else take care of itself.”
Lamb’s perspective is spot on. Even though the Cowboys would need a miraculous turn of events to secure a postseason spot, maintaining this one-game-at-a-time mindset is crucial for the locker room. It’s the only aspect they can control, and it’s what they should concentrate on.
This highlights the reality that players and coaches are not focused on tanking—and rightly so. This applies to players looking to secure their positions year after year, as well as stars like CeeDee, who recently signed a $136 million contract.
They are football players at their core, dedicated to the game. So, regardless of their record or playoff odds, expect the Cowboys to play with motivation. It’s simply how the game works. Lamb’s attitude deserves recognition.
