Some might suggest that there is a bias coming from the analysis of former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett.
But his sterling praise for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb after their Week 18 win over Washington should not only be respected because of his particular perch ...
The coach-turned-NBC studio analyst calling the Cowboys duo the “best quarterback-receiver combination in the NFL'' should also be respected because the numbers say it is so.
“What a combination and what a year for these guys,” Garrett said after the 38-10 win clinched the No. 2 slot in the playoffs for 12-5 Dallas. “The best quarterback-receiver combination in the NFL showed up big-time today in Washington.''
Before anyone disagrees ... look at how Prescott and Lamb just etched their names into the very top of the NFL’s stat sheets for the 2023 season.
The quarterback, with his four-touchdown effort against the Commanders, finished the season with the most touchdown passes (36) in football - four more touchdown passes than the runner-up. (Who just happens to be Sunday's playoff opponent, the Packers QB Jordan Love.)
Dak also cut down from his NFL-worst 15 interceptions last year to end with nine, which is a fine number - and his career average. Oh, and is second in the league in total passing yards (4,516) and second in completion percentage.
And his favorite targes? CeeDee Lamb finishes 2023 as the NFL’s top receiver in catches with 135.
Lamb's 181 targets mark a career-high and he finished the year with 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Dak is an MVP candidate. Lamb is an Offensive Player of the Year candidate. And Garrett - who of course used to coach Prescott in Dallas and who knows both talent and his way around this team - recognizes offensive excellence when he sees it.
Dallas is undefeated at home over the last 16 games and now welcomes the Packers to AT&T Stadium with Dak and CeeDee in the spotlight.
"The Cowboys are ready for the playoffs,'' Garrett said in capping his Dak/Lamb argument. And who can disagree?
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