The Dallas Cowboys finished with one of the NFL's most productive offenses last season. CeeDee Lamb still believes the group left too much unfinished.
When asked how much better Dallas can be in 2026, Lamb delivered a simple response.
"A lot better," Lamb said. "We (weren't) No. 1 last year."
The answer stood out because the Cowboys were already among the league's top offenses. Dallas averaged 27.7 points per game in 2025, ranked second in passing yards per game at 266.3 and finished seventh in total touchdowns at 51. Those numbers usually describe a unit with few complaints. Yet Lamb's reaction suggested the players see room for growth rather than reasons to celebrate.
The biggest reason is consistency. While Dallas moved the ball effectively for much of the season, the offense struggled to finish drives at times. The Cowboys converted touchdowns on just 56 percent of their red-zone trips, placing them in the middle of the league despite ranking near the top in several major categories.
Those missed opportunities became more noticeable as the season progressed. Dallas produced stretches where a high-powered offense suddenly stalled, creating a gap between its overall numbers and its week-to-week performance.
That reality helps explain why expectations have increased this offseason. Dak Prescott returns after throwing for more than 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, while Lamb remains the focal point of the passing attack. The front office also added George Pickens, giving Dallas another proven outside target opposite its All-Pro receiver.
Because of those additions, the standard inside the building appears higher than simply finishing in the top 10 again. Dallas believes it has enough talent to challenge for the league's top offensive spot.
Lamb's comment reflected that mindset. Last year's rankings showed how good the Cowboys could be. His message was that good is no longer the target. The goal is to finish first.
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