CeeDee Lamb has already established himself as one of the top-tier receivers in the NFL. But thanks to new Cowboys defensive back Stephon Gilmore, the former Oklahoma star might elevate game even more.
Gilmore joined Dallas in the offseason after a one-year stop with the Indianapolis Colts. His presence is already being felt by Lamb, who calls the cornerback one of the smartest players he’s played against.
“He’s the smartest defensive back that I’ve ever lined up against. He knows certain routes off of my alignment, and it sucks,” Lamb said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. “It’s really chess with him. You’re not just running a route, and that’s making me better. …
“On the walk-through reps, he’ll tell me what he’s thinking, just off my alignment. … Just picking his brain. It’s tough going against him, but I like it.”
Gilmore does bring a ton of experience to the Cowboys secondary. This year will be his 12th in the NFL, having stops with the Buffalo Bills (2012-16), New England Patriots (2017-20), Carolina Panthers (2021) and Colts (2022).
Gilmore has earned five Pro Bowl selections in his career, was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and won a Super Bowl with the Patriots. His veteran leadership should serve as a huge asset to Dallas.
Obviously, Lamb has already learned a few lessons from the defensive back. And it makes us wonder just how much better the receiver looks entering the 2023 season.
CeeDee Lamb talks about Cowboys ‘new’ offense
Changes are coming to the Cowboys’ offense this year. Following the 2022 season, Dallas opted to part ways with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and put head coach Mike McCarthy in charge of play-calling duties.
In a recent radio interview, Lamb explained the differences you can expect to see this upcoming year. It sounds like Dallas plans to be much more aggressive with quarterback Dak Prescott.
“Really not much. Different play-calling, of course, but it’s just a lot simpler,” Lamb said on 105.3 The Fan. “All the offense is in Dak’s hands now. … However he’s feeling versus the coverage. If he likes the matchup, we’re gonna call that play. If he likes whatever he likes versus zone, he’s gonna call that play. So technically, it’s all in Dak’s hands. We’re moving much faster, at a different pace.”
Lamb comes off a year in which he totaled 1,359 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches on 107 total receptions. So it’s not like the Cowboys have been overly conservative.
Still, the explosive plays seem to be something Dallas wants to hit on more frequently.
“(Dak’s) very aggressive. … And he’s looking for the deep ball now. And as you (saw on Saturday), it’s up there,” Lamb said. “So if you’re not gonna back up, this is a warning to everybody, if you’re not gonna back up, good luck.”
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