CeeDee Lamb throwing Cowboys’ 2024 season ‘in the trash’ as new era begins in Dallas

A New Era for the Dallas Cowboys: Change and Optimism in Big D

The Dallas Cowboys are stepping into a fresh chapter as they bid farewell to Mike McCarthy after five seasons. The 2023 season marked the end of McCarthy’s tenure as head coach, and the team has now turned to Brian Schottenheimer, promoting him from offensive coordinator to the top job. Schottenheimer’s promotion has understandably brought excitement, and one of the happiest individuals in the Cowboys’ camp is star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Lamb, who has shared the building with Schottenheimer since entering the NFL, expressed confidence in the transition. “With him being in the building since I was in the league, I feel like there’s not gonna be a drop-off,” Lamb said. He emphasized Schottenheimer’s familiarity with the team’s operations, the Jones family, and the talent on the roster, which he believes will help the team improve weekly. While Lamb acknowledges that some adjustments are inevitable, he believes the pressure lies more on Schottenheimer to establish leadership rather than on the players to adapt. “Having a new coach, they have to come in and proclaim their dominance and be able to control the room. I know that’s a lot of stress on them,” Lamb remarked, adding that owner Jerry Jones handled the transition smoothly.

A Season of Struggles and Renewed Hope

Schottenheimer inherits a team that finished the 2023 season with a disappointing 7-10 record, a far cry from the Cowboys’ usual standards. The season was marred by injuries, most notably to quarterback Dak Prescott, who suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for much of the year. For Lamb, last season was a anomaly. “It’s kinda easy to throw [last season] in the trash,” he said, though he acknowledged the resilience and toughness the team showed in the face of adversity. Despite the setbacks, Lamb remains optimistic, noting that the team now understands the importance of durability and keeping key players healthy. The Cowboys’ struggles last season highlighted the need for a strong offseason, with one of the top priorities being theegoal of retaining star linebacker Micah Parsons, who is due for a contract extension.

The Challenge of Balancing Talent and Finances

Micah Parsons is undoubtedly one of the Cowboys’ most valuable assets, and his looming contract extension presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Parsons’ performance on the field speaks for itself, but the financial implications of signing him to a lucrative deal are significant. Currently, Prescott, Lamb, and Parsons already account for over half of the team’s salary cap, even before Parsons’ expected raise. This raises questions about how the Cowboys will manage their roster and retain other key players. Lamb acknowledged the difficulty of balancing competitiveness with financial reality. “It’s definitely a tricky moment, and those are things you think about, ‘how can we get as many guys in here as possible?’” he admitted. However, Lamb also made it clear that Parsons is too important to let go, emphasizing his commitment to winning above all else. “I like to win. I got my money now, that’s just realistically talking. I genuinely care about winning, it’s always been that.”

Prescott’s Return and the Road Ahead

While the Cowboys navigate the challenges of the offseason, one bright spot is the expected return of Dak Prescott. Prescott underwent hamstring surgery in the offseason but is confident he’ll be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming season. His recovery is crucial for the team’s success, as his leadership and performance on the field are pivotal to their aspirations. Prescott’s injury last season was a significant blow to the team, and his absence was deeply felt. With Schottenheimer now at the helm, the Cowboys will look to build on the lessons learned from last season’s struggles. For Lamb, the focus is on improving durability and ensuring that the team can stay healthy throughout the season. “We know what it feels like to be on the opposite side, so it was unfortunate. Hopefully we don’t get injured, because that was terrible. A lot of our key guys got out early. For us, I feel like that’s where we gotta get better, taking care of our bodies and durability,” Lamb said.

Schottenheimer’s Task: Building Consistency and Chemistry

As Schottenheimer prepares for his first season as head coach, the Cowboys are eager to move past the inconsistency that plagued them last year. Schottenheimer’s familiarity with the team and its culture is seen as a major advantage, but he will still need to establish his own identity and vision for the franchise. Lamb’s comments suggest that the players are ready to adapt to Schottenheimer’s leadership style, but the onus is on the new coach to create a cohesive unit. The Cowboys’ success will also depend on how well Schottenheimer can maximize the talent on the roster, particularly Prescott, Lamb, and Parsons. If the team can stay healthy and build chemistry, there is no reason why they can’t return to their winning ways.

Looking Ahead: A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Dallas Cowboys are at a pivotal moment in their history. With a new head coach, a star-studded roster, and a passionate fanbase, the expectations remain high. However, the challenges of the modern NFL—managing the salary cap, keeping key players healthy, and competing in a loaded NFC—will test the franchise’s resilience and adaptability. For players like Lamb, the focus is clear: winning. “I like to win. I got my money now, that’s just realistically talking. I genuinely care about winning, it’s always been that.” With Schottenheimer at the helm and Prescott nearing full recovery, the Cowboys have the pieces in place to turn last season’s disappointing campaign into a distant memory. The question now is whether they can capitalize on their talent and create a memorable 2024 season. For fans of America’s