Mike McCarthy wades into CeeDee Lamb, No. 1 receiver debate

After trading Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys lost their top receiver from the year before. One reason they felt comfortable making the move, though, was to clear the way for the emergence of CeeDee Lamb as their No. 1 receiver. That’s the kind of potential head coach Mike McCarthy saw from him during the team’s minicamp this week.

When he met with the media Tuesday, McCarthy said Lamb is someone Dallas is going to focus on feeding the ball to this season.

“CeeDee’s clearly at the top of the list. You got to get the ball to your playmakers. Ball distribution is a constant focal point for us when we talk offensive football. We talk about how many touches we want the perimeter players to have every game,” said McCarthy. “Clearly whoever plays the flanker position is going to be in a primary situation where he’s going to be the number one read in a lot of progressions. He’s definitely ready for that opportunity.”

The Cowboys drafted the former Oklahoma star 17th overall in 2020. That came after his junior season where he totaled 62 catches for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Over his two seasons in Dallas, he has shown flashes alongside veterans in Cooper and Michael Gallup. He is coming off a Pro Bowl season with 79 catches for 1,102 yards and six touchdowns. Most of his snaps, though, have come in the slot or not as the top option. With Cooper gone, it leaves a void for Lamb to fill as Prescott’s top weapon on the outside.

For Lamb to be great, Mike McCarthy says he needs to continue to show his versatility. His skillset combined with the ability to run routes from each spot is what McCarthy believes makes a No. 1 receiver.

“I like receivers who play multiple positions. I think the ability to play inside and outside is a part of that description or in the characteristics of being a No. 1 receiver,” he said. “Just like any premier player, I think targeting is a little easier if you line up in only one position. With CeeDee playing the slot last year and now taking the flanker position, he definitely has that flexibility to go along with a great skill set.”

Lamb has already shown plenty of potential through his 32 career games in Dallas. Even so, this new spot comes with all new expectations. How well he manages them will be on full display come Week 1 against the Buccaneers.