CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens dominated Chiefs’ coverage
Going into the game, it was clear that wide receiver CeeDee Lamb would be a top-tier challenge for the Chiefs’ star cornerback Trent McDuffie. That was obvious from Dallas’ first touchdown drive. Lamb beat McDuffie to convert two third downs, the second ending in a 15-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone.
Lamb continued to be a difference-maker for the Cowboys’ offense throughout the game, whether or not he completed catches; he drew three defensive pass interference flags from McDuffie.
Lamb chipped away at the Chiefs, totaling 112 yards over seven catches. The attention on Lamb started opening up opportunities for wide receiver George Pickens, who began to take over as Dallas’ top playmaker in the second half.
Pickens finished the game as the team leader in targets (13), accumulating 88 yards over six catches. Like Lamb, Pickens made positive plays by drawing pass interference calls in crucial situations.
Down 7 points in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs sent McDuffie on a blitz, leaving safety Chamarri Conner in single coverage against Lamb down the field. The lobbed pass was hauled in for a 51-yard gain that helped Dallas take a 10-point lead.
Lamb and Pickens helped close out the game by overwhelming the Chiefs’ defensive backs on the last drive, moving the chains until Dallas was able to kneel for the victory.