CeeDee Lamb reveals what the Cowboys need to be champions and it’s not what you think: “Talent was never the problem”
With players like stars CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys aren’t lacking talent, so why can’t they make a deep playoff run? Lamb explains.
The Dallas Cowboys have been average or below for several decades now. Their last deep playoff run and Super Bowl appearance occurred in the 1990s. But they’ve seen a lot of talent come through in those years since. So what’s the issue?
Many point the finger at the quarterback, but statistically both Tony Romo and Dak Prescott were/are among the elite top in the NFL. Then, of course, there’s owner Jerry Jones, who’s the easiest answer as far as one individual to blame.
But wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has another explanation for why Dallas has continued to struggle.
Cowboys’ new philosophy? Discipline over talent
New Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer is cracking down on discipline during training camp. After several fights broke out during practice (including a punch thrown by rookie lineman Ajani Cornelius), Schottenheimer cut practice short and made players (and even some coaches) run as punishment. This came after he previously warned the team to avoid unnecessary aggression.
Too many fights cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer stops practice and makes Cowboys run pic.twitter.com/nVHgSXCcCO
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) July 30, 2025
Schottenheimer, who was Dallas’ offensive coordinator the past two seasons, is emphasizing discipline over talent, especially after last season’s struggles with penalties and turnovers. The Cowboys ranked 29th in the league in penalties and 28th in turnovers last season last season.
Lamb echoed that message, saying the Cowboys have the talent but need better focus and discipline to become champions.
“Do we want to be champions? Because throughout the years of us being here, talent was never the problem for us. It was always discipline,” said Lamb. “How do we get ahead and not behind? How do we not shoot ourselves in the foot? How do we not hurt ourselves? Honestly when that momentum is going our way, we need to continue to keep the foot on the pedal and make the right play and always think about the team.”
Veteran and young players alike acknowledged the need to compete without hurting teammates. Schottenheimer is using his first head coaching opportunity to set a new tone and culture in Dallas following a disappointing 7–10 season under former coach Mike McCarthy.
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