Cowboys camp observations: CeeDee Lamb sounds motivated for big season

New York Times

6 days ago

OXNARD, Calif. — No one is more excited to be at training camp than CeeDee Lamb. The Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver wasn't at the four-week California portion of last year's camp as he was holding out for a new contract.
Following Wednesday's practice, Dallas' second of camp, Lamb sounded like a player extremely motivated to have a big year. He also looked the part during the team drill portion on the field.
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'I feel like the league knows what happens when I'm healthy and I have Dak (Prescott) for a whole season,' Lamb said. 'But, if you don't, I will happily show you what it's going to be like this year, honestly. I'm a dominant receiver. I don't like to speak highly of myself, but I can't wait to show you guys.'
The Cowboys' defense, without top cornerback DaRon Bland while he attended the birth of his child, had very little success when Prescott looked Lamb's way Wednesday. This clip showcases some of what the four-time Pro Bowler put on display, including a new celebration with recently acquired wide receiver George Pickens.
CeeDee Lamb 👀 pic.twitter.com/FKEWdv8eNt
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 23, 2025
Here are some other highlights, observations and takeaways from the first two days of training camp.
No pads and no tackling mean the offense should have the upper hand. But the defense has done an excellent job of knocking the ball out and causing turnovers. Second-year DE Marshawn Kneeland had the most notable takeaway so far, dropping into coverage to intercept Prescott in what could have been a pick six situation. Takeaways are a major emphasis under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. So far, the fruits of their labor have been on display. Despite also being the offensive play caller, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has been thrilled with what he's seen from the defense in that area.
'I get excited,' he said. 'I'll put it out there right now. You guys know me, I don't mind making bold predictions, but I think we're going to be one of the top takeaway teams in the league on defense. Matt Eberflus and his staff have done an incredible job. If you watch their individuals and what they do, it's all what? Ball drills. But what I saw yesterday was great intentionality. We can't wrap up right now, we're kind of tagging off, but the intentional punch that these guys do and the focus and you see their eyes on the ball.
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'They're going to make us better offensively by doing it. … I'm excited about what this defense is going to do in terms of taking the ball away. Why does that excite you? It creates momentum and we obviously have to go out there and capitalize on that momentum. But my expectation is because it's the No. 1 thing we talk about in our football mantra, is we have to win the turnover battle.'
Micah Parsons is the obvious leader of the edge rusher group. But even with him not participating because of his contract situation, there looks to be plenty of defensive end depth. Veteran Dante Fowler, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku and Kneeland have all flashed at different times. Add to the mix Sam Williams, who many are expecting to have a breakout season. Watching Parsons throughout individual drills Wednesday, it seems pretty clear that he's not enjoying just being an observer.
Micah Parsons watching defensive line drills pic.twitter.com/kXKZtDWLT4
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 23, 2025
Injured defenders LB DeMarvion Overshown, CB Trevon Diggs, CB Shavon Revel Jr. and CB Josh Butler have all been working off to the side with athletic trainers during practice.
Most eyes have been on Lamb and Pickens the first two days. There haven't been any major highlights, but those are likely when the pads come on Sunday. 'He's an incredible athlete, an incredible football player,' Lamb said of Pickens. 'His ability to go up and get the ball, you guys haven't seen it yet. But those days are literally coming. He's like a caged animal. And so am I.'
Dak to George Pickens pic.twitter.com/ZLMn6eXnXM
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 22, 2025
Backup QB Joe Milton's arm strength and athleticism have been on display. With Prescott being in his 10th season, it's highly unlikely he will do much, if anything, during the preseason. That's when Milton will really get an opportunity to show off his arm and running ability, when needed. Cooper Rush was a more polished veteran backup, but Milton has a much higher upside. It should be fun to see how he progresses throughout camp and the preseason.
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Javonte Williams has looked like the best of the running back group. Miles Sanders has also had impressive runs. However, it's tough to read too much into the position until everyone is in pads. Returner/wide receiver KaVontae Turpin has had several opportunities to carry the football and has also looked good in that area. Schottenheimer said he's working to prevent the offense from being 'static.' What has been on display so far are more pre-snap shifts and motions. There's also been more work with Prescott under center. When asked about that, Schottenheimer said there will still be plenty of quarterback work in shotgun and pistol formations, and even some wildcat. But look for more under-center snaps this season compared to previous years.
KaVontae Turpin pic.twitter.com/GbPaEgng91
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 22, 2025
Tight ends Jake Ferguson and Brevyn Spann-Ford both looked good in the passing game Wednesday. Each had multiple catches.
As was the case throughout organized team activities and minicamp, the energy level is noticeable, especially with music blaring throughout practices. The celebrations after big plays have also been noticeable. These are things that Schottenheimer has clearly tried to emphasize since being hired as head coach in January.
The crowds have been similar to last year, down from previous seasons. There are probably multiple contributing factors, from last year's disappointing season to the team's lack of playoff success and frustration with team owner and general manager Jerry Jones.
Stands are pretty empty for the Dallas Cowboys' first training camp practice pic.twitter.com/rOsQSZMK6t
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 22, 2025