The Cowboys looked like they answered many questions in their Week 1 win over the Browns, but back-to-back losses have proven there is plenty for Dallas to work on — even chemistry between Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, apparently.
Prescott and Lamb flashed a ridiculous connection in 2023, with Lamb surpassing 1,700 yards, but the star receiver spent almost all of the summer away from the practice field as he searched for a new contract. Lamb ultimately got the deal he wanted, but he's still trying to produce like he did a year ago.
Those efforts turned to frustration on Sunday when Lamb got into a heated exchange with Prescott along the sideline. The Cowboys' comeback fell just short against the Ravens, and it was an early turnover by Lamb that might have been the difference in the end.
Here's what you need to know about Lamb's clash with Prescott and how his fumble changed the game in Week 3.
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CeeDee Lamb-Dak Prescott sideline argument
Fox cameras caught Lamb yelling at Prescott and other teammates on the sideline on Sunday, though it wasn't clear what he said.
CeeDee Lamb yelling at Dak Prescott 😳 pic.twitter.com/RIpbxzEWS8
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 22, 2024
The interaction came near the end of the first half, which saw the Ravens keep the Cowboys out of the end zone.
Lamb had a reason to be frustrated, but it's fair to say some of that frustration should have been directed toward himself. The Cowboys lost a prime opportunity to put together a touchdown drive when Lamb fumbled in the red zone at the start of the second quarter.
At that point, a touchdown would have brought Dallas within one possession. Instead, the Ravens added another touchdown before the end of the half and went to the break leading by 15.
Prescott posted gaudy numbers with 379 yards and two touchdowns in a comeback effort that fell three points short — three points that would've been near-automatic even if the drive Lamb fumbled away simply stalled in the red zone.
Lamb, meanwhile, was out-targeted by Jake Ferguson 11-7 in the loss.
MORE: Prescott failing to live up to contract | Derrick Henry makes Cowboys pay for passing on him
On Tuesday, the wide receiver was apologetic for his actions, taking full responsibility for the exchange and that his unnecessary attitude
"Just being a professional about this whole situation. Understanding it's a long game," Lamb said. "But as for me and my performance, I expect a lot out of myself, more than anyone could put on me. And, quite honestly, I failed myself. And obviously, I failed the team just as far as producing and being that game-breaker player for the team and, obviously, the guy that they can lean on.
"And, yeah, I kind of let the game get to my head a little bit. But in the same sense, I know what I can do. I know what I bring to the table, and I know what I can do on that field. So, with that being said, going forward, there shall be a difference."
Lamb said the relationship with Prescott remains strong.
"Our relationship, if anything, [has] gotten stronger," Lamb said. "Don't let what's out there fool you. We're brothers to the end. We know that we all we got, and I tip my hat off to him. I got the utmost respect for him, and I look at him as a brother. So, with that being said, everything is going to come out: the energy, the passion, the love, the fight. You going to make up in the end."
CeeDee Lamb fumble vs. Ravens
Nate Wiggins made a play on the ball and won, knocking it out of Lamb's hands to quickly shift the momentum back in the Ravens' favor early in the second quarter.
ceedee lamb fumble pic.twitter.com/AHZQA3mOd3
— ◇ (@HOODH3RO) September 22, 2024
Lamb fumbled three times in his All-Pro season last year, after he avoided fumbles in both 2021 and 2022.
MORE: Will the Cowboys fire Mike McCarthy?
CeeDee Lamb stats vs. Ravens
- Targets: 7
- Receptions: 4
- Yards: 67
- TD: 0
- Yards/Rec: 16.8
Lamb finished with 67 yards on four catches in the Cowboys' loss to the Ravens, earning seven targets from Prescott. He was second to Ferguson in both targets and catches.
Lamb has 218 yards and a touchdown through three games, putting on pace for 1,235 yards. Most receivers would gladly take that, but Lamb racked up more than 1,700 yards last season with eight 100-yard game. He has yet to post 100 yards in a game this season.
