The second-year receiver from Dallas rose as the best player in a day that has given us, so far, three overtime games, including that of the Cowboys themselves
In the first day of action of the 2021 season with teams on bye week, there were a significant number of stellar performances, particularly highlighting some players who came from injuries in days gone by.
Three games went into extra time, and our most outstanding player of the date defined, in fact, one of those overtime games.
CeeDee Lamb was expected to have a breakout season in the current season, and frankly, we’ve been waiting … at least for the first five days.
But, Week 6 was different. The sophomore wide receiver posted his best catches and receiving yards, posting nine for 149 yards with two touchdowns, in the Cowboys’ dramatic road win at New England.
The most important of those catches was a 35-yard second touchdown, ending the game in overtime.
Lamb has suffered a bit in the early days with dropped passes, and hasn’t found the short-zone openings that he presumably would have if Dallas had the injured Michael Gallup. However, this game should provide a lot of optimism for what’s to come for the Cowboys, particularly as this performance came on the road against a very well-run defense.
Lamb isn’t the current favorite for Offensive Player of the Year, as some ran before the start of the season, but it’s not too late to pitch his name.
Honorable mentions
Dalvin Cook, running back, Minnesota Vikings. As if he had never left, Cook returned from an injury absence to score 29 carries for 140 yards with a touchdown and a touchdown in an overtime victory over the Panthers that confirms Minny as one of the teams with the best offensive arsenal. Defensively, that is another matter.
Cooper Kupp, wide receiver, Los Angeles Rams. The Rams’ electrifying passing attack was awakened again after a minor bump and, again, Kupp has become impossible to cover. He caught nine shipments for 130 yards with two touchdowns, in the Rams’ beating the Lions.
Kyler Murray, quarterback, Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals quarterback roasted the Browns, completing 20 of 30 passes for 229 yards with four touchdowns without interceptions, and lifted Arizona to a 6-0 mark that remains the only perfect in the league. Even with no head coach present, these Cards are for real.
Donovan Peoples-Jones, wide receiver, Cleveland Browns. The Browns only scored two touchdowns on the day against the undefeated Cards, and both were courtesy of Peoples-Jones. The second was particularly spectacular, an ‘Ave Maria’ pass, as part of his performance of four receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, Cleveland lost and is lagging behind.
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback, Green Bay Packers. There were just 17 completions of 23 pass attempts for 195 yards and two touchdowns, but there were also seven carries for 19 yards and an additional touchdown that clearly confirmed that Rodgers still owns the Bears.
Matthew Stafford, quarterback, Rams. With the Angels clicking on all the offensive pistons again, it was to be expected that Stafford would have big numbers. It did not disappoint. He completed 22 of 28 for 251 yards for four touchdowns against an interception, and even had the luxury of adding 12 yards on two carries, even though he is not widely known for it.
Jonathan Taylor, running back, Indianapolis Colts. Taylor served himself with the big spoon against Houston, carrying the ball 14 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns, plus a catch for 13 yards, with the Colts thrashing the Texans to try and stay in the AFC South fight. . The road is still long, but at least Indy found the compass after the collapse last Sunday.
.