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
Fox announcer Greg Olsen on CeeDee Lamb's 30-yard TD: "That is about as good a post route as you can get."
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 2, 2022
Cowboys 22, Washington 10. pic.twitter.com/zwNIvl2t1Z
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.
— Jeff Bell (@4WhomJBellTolls) November 14, 2022
Justin Jefferson - 193 yards - career high
CeeDee Lamb - 150 yards - career high
"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.
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