Name: Facing high expectations after dazzling rookie season, Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb looks to be ‘better version’ of himself in 2021
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Facing high expectations after dazzling rookie season, Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb looks to be ‘better version’ of himself in 2021

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6:32 PM on Apr 14, 2021 CDT — Updated at 12:42 AM on Apr 15, 2021 CDTCeeDee Lamb answered an important question Wednesday that has been on the minds of Cowboys fans: Is he changing his jersey number?With the NFL altering the rules that certain position groups can wear single digits for jersey numbers, Lamb, No. 2 at Oklahoma, said he’s staying at No. 88.Greg Zuerlein, the Cowboys punter, can relax.“I love No. 2 for sure,” Lamb said. “I’m going to retire that in my mind. But No. 88 is definitely it for me.”So the tradition of No. 88 at wide receiver will continue for the Cowboys as will the offseason workouts that Lamb and some of his teammates are participating in at The Star.The NFLPA is asking its members to boycott the offseason workouts, specifically the organized team activities that occur in May, because of the continued pandemic concerns along with the fact the league has added a regular-season game.The Cowboys haven’t made any decisions about boycotting OTAs because, in reality, they don’t have to right now.“We haven’t really talked about it much,” Lamb said. “A couple of guys are working out [at The Star] and a couple of guys are working out by themselves. It’s however you want to deal with it. As of right now, it’s no problem.”Lamb’s 2020 rookie season wasn’t much of a problem for him. He finished with 74 catches for 935 yards and five touchdowns. He had the 25th most catches in the NFL and set a franchise record for a rookie. Lamb also became the first NFL player to start a rookie season with at least five catches in each of his first six career games.The questions about drafting Lamb 17th overall last spring were answered pretty quickly given his impact.Now he must do it again.“I want to focus on me being better for the team and definitely want to be as impactful on the team as I possibly can,” said Lamb, who partnered up with Chime, a fintech company that helps people manage their finances.“Naturally, the team will get better. We started a whole new system if you will. We got a new defensive coordinator [Dan Quinn]. Offensively, we got everybody back. It’s a whole new role. I’m looking to be a better version of myself. To be better than last year and if everyone has that mind-set as a collective group we’ll be better.”That offensive group missed numerous players because of injuries. The list started with quarterback Dak Prescott (ankle) suffering his injury in October; left tackle Tyron Smith (neck) played just two games; right tackle La’el Collins (hips) missed the season. Tight end Blake Jarwin (knee) suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1.Backup quarterback Andy Dalton missed two games, one with a concussion and another because of COVID-19. Running back Ezekiel Elliott missed a game with a calf injury.When you evaluate Lamb’s season, think about what he could have done if Prescott was his quarterback for 16 games. Lamb had four different quarterbacks throwing passes to him and was still fantastic.Lamb hasn’t caught passes from Prescott yet this offseason, but he knows his quarterback is close.“I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts hitting us up a little earlier than expected,” Lamb said. “His shoulder still works for sure.”That rookie year was so good it raised the expectations for Year 2. It even made you think about letting No. 1 wideout Amari Cooper hit the open market after the 2021 season because of Lamb’s excellence. Of course, Michael Gallup is an emerging talent and right now, all three receivers are hopeful a healthy 2021 season leads to success.“Offensively at the skill position, I feel like we can compete with anybody,” Lamb said. “We’re one of the best in the NFL, if not arguably. At any moment anybody can touch the ball and go score. Last year definitely proved to us, at the skill position, we’re pretty talented and if we play together and keep everybody healthy, who knows what will happen. Last year definitely opened our eyes for sure.”Related:Related:.Get the latest news, analysis and opinion delivered straight to your inbox.By signing up you agree to our

6:32 PM on Apr 14, 2021 CDT — Updated at 12:42 AM on Apr 15, 2021 CDTCeeDee Lamb answered an important question Wednesday that has been on the minds of Cowboys fans: Is he changing his jersey number?With the NFL altering the rules that certain position groups can wear single digits for jersey numbers, Lamb, No. 2 at Oklahoma, said he’s staying at No. 88.Greg Zuerlein, the Cowboys punter, can relax.“I love No. 2 for sure,” Lamb said. “I’m going to retire that in my mind. But No. 88 is definitely it for me.”So the tradition of No. 88 at wide receiver will continue for the Cowboys as will the...

Facing high expectations after dazzling rookie season, Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb looks to be ‘better version’ of himself in 2021

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