How CeeDee Lamb can catch Justin Jefferson

CeeDee Lamb. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

How Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb can catch Justin Jefferson

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Nov 18, 2022 1:32 PM ET

CeeDee Lamb needs to raise the Justin Jefferson bar in Minneapolis on Sunday.

Connections between Lamb and Jefferson arose after they entered the league in 2020.

The Cowboys drafted Lamb (No. 17) five spots ahead of Jefferson (No. 22) in that year's draft. However, head coach Mike McCarthy liked the prospects of the Vikings superstar.

"I'm not surprised at all the success (Jefferson) is having," McCarthy said in a Thursday news conference. "We thought we had him high, higher than most people on the board."

Jefferson, the fifth wideout selected in that draft, sits atop the loaded class.

The 23-year-old made consecutive Pro Bowls in his first two seasons. In 2022, he's second in receiving yards, fourth in total receptions and made a spectacular catch against the Bills in a thrilling 33-30 victory on Sunday.

JUSTIN JEFFERSON CATCH OF THE CENTURY. pic.twitter.com/Cos6v0yPIC
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 13, 2022

Jefferson has overshadowed Lamb, but he's inching into his tier.

Lamb made his first Pro Bowl in 2021. Even though Dak Prescott missed six games this season, he's 10th in receiving yards and is tied for ninth in receiving touchdowns. Jefferson is tied for 17th in receiving touchdowns.

Fox announcer Greg Olsen on CeeDee Lamb's 30-yard TD: "That is about as good a post route as you can get."

Cowboys 22, Washington 10. pic.twitter.com/zwNIvl2t1Z
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 2, 2022

Lamb had one of his best games in a 31-28 defeat against Green Bay. He caught 11 receptions for 150 yards and hauled in two touchdowns.

Big week for 2020 draft WRs.

Justin Jefferson - 193 yards - career high

CeeDee Lamb - 150 yards - career high
— Jeff Bell (@4WhomJBellTolls) November 14, 2022

"CeeDee Lamb had the best game that I've ever seen him play for the Cowboys," said owner Jerry Jones Tuesday on KRLD-FM in Dallas. "It's encouraging to see him play at that particular level."

The Cowboys (6-3) need Lamb to continue to play at this level since the road matchup against the Vikings (8-1) could have playoff implications.

A strong performance improves Dallas' potential postseason position and proves Lamb belongs in the Jefferson category.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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