Shutting down CeeDee Lamb should result in domino effect for Dallas Cowboys starting this Sunday vs Eagles
The Dallas Cowboys decided CeeDee Lamb is done for the season as he'll miss the remaining two games on the schedule. The decision was made after additional testing that revealed the "risk was too high" to play him. Now granted, it's fair to assume the timing to shut him down coincides with the fact that Dallas […]
The Dallas Cowboys decided CeeDee Lamb is done for the season as he'll miss the remaining two games on the schedule. The decision was made after additional testing that revealed the "risk was too high" to play him.
Now granted, it's fair to assume the timing to shut him down coincides with the fact that Dallas was officially eliminated last weekend leading up to their matchup against the Tampa Bay Bucs. With nothing to fight for anymore, ruling Lamb out certainly feels like waving the white flag.
And though I wouldn't expect the Cowboys to sit all starters or anything like that, I do believe setting their sights on 2025 and beyond should impact their decision making regarding the lineup. Here are a few things that I should happen as a domino effect to the decision around Lamb.
1. Tyler Guyton should start at left tackle
Guyton sitting on the bench has been one of the biggest surprises of the year for me. The Cowboys have started Chuma Edoga instead of their first-round rookie and even though Guyton has been undisciplined at times, I question if it's been the right call to sacrifice reps for the prospect who entered the league as a developmental project.
That being said, as long as the Cowboys were "in the running," I understand Mike McCarthy starting who he thinks was his best guy. But now, it seems like a great opportunity to get Guyton some valuable opportunities to clean up his game in live action, which is totally different to whatever work he can get in during the offseason. I believe not starting No. 60 on Sunday would be a missed opportunity for the rookie.
2. More looks for Jonathan Mingo
Since the Cowboys traded a fourth-rounder for Mingo, he's been targeted eleven times and caught two passes. It hasn't been pretty. With Lamb out, Mingo should receive more opportunities to get on the field. It's a perfect chance to get him involved and get an early look at him.
Keep in mind, though his production has been disappointing, Mingo has two years left on his deal and the Cowboys were likely thinking about developing him more than he making an immediate impact. But him giving us something to be excited about is key over the next couple of games.
3. Honorable mentions
Here are a few players I'd also love to see more from during the final two games of the season:
- DE Marshawn Kneeland: Though Carl Lawson and Chauncey Golston have earned their playing time, this feels like a game where the second-round rookie should get plenty of looks against top-tier offensive tackles.
- FB Hunter Luepke: He's been part of the lineup but I'd love to see Luepke getting some carries this game to see if anything clicks now that the offensive line has been much improved.
- WR Ryan Flournoy: Flournoy already had a big moment last weekend when he caught a deep pass for a 26-yard gain over the middle of the field. He'll likely get the start on Sunday and I look forward to seeing more targets for the fifth-round rookie.
