No. 1: CeeDee Lamb
Every time that Lamb stepped onto the field for the Dallas Cowboys, it felt like he was a human highlight reel waiting to happen. Given that the team was returning two 1,000 yard receivers in addition to Lamb, there wasn’t much pressure for the rookie. The trio had an opportunity to each finish with 1,000 yards until Prescott’s injury. Despite the fact they played four quarterbacks, they were within striking distance.
Lamb finished his rookie campaign second in targets (111), receptions (74), yards (935), yards per reception (12.6), combined rushing and receiving touchdowns (6). He would also tie Michael Gallup for the team lead in receiving touchdowns with five apiece. Lamb also broke “Bullet” Bob Hayes’ team rookie record for receptions (46). He finished just 68 yards shy of the receiving yardage mark, also held by Hayes.
What the Cowboys said:
He was everything the Cowboys expected, and perhaps a little more. What the team didn’t expect was to have four different starting quarterbacks throughout the season. The injury to Dak Prescott set the entire offense back. Lamb set an NFL record as the only player in league history to begin a career with six-straight games with five catches or more.
He was on pace to catch over 95 passes with 1300+ receiving yards. Obviously, the injuries at quarterback were problematic for Lamb and the rest of the receivers. However, Lamb scored seven touchdowns, becoming the second player in team history to record touchdowns as a receiver, runner and kickoff returner in the same season. The only downside to Lamb’s game were some inopportune dropped passes, including a couple that would’ve been touchdown. But for the most part, Lamb was an electrifying player that will likely only get better.
CeeDee Lamb with the onside KR touchdownpic.twitter.com/BljBLWjcWe
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) December 20, 2020