These are challenging times for Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy.
His team, struggling this season, is returning from a bye week following a humiliating 47-9 blowout loss to the Lions in Week 6.
Adding to the pressure, McCarthy is in the final year of his contract, leaving him in a difficult position as a potential lame-duck coach.
Although team owner Jerry Jones has stated he won’t make a coaching change mid-season, McCarthy’s future remains uncertain.
Given the circumstances, it’s understandable that McCarthy would seize any opportunity to defend his team.
Such an opportunity arose last week following harsh comments from legendary Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman.
During a radio appearance, Aikman criticized the Dallas receiving corps, labeling the receivers as “lazy,” and included star receiver CeeDee Lamb in his assessment.
McCarthy responded to these comments on Monday, coming to the defense of his players.
“For me to address those comments, I don’t because they don’t carry any weight with me because I watch all the tape,” McCarthy said, via the Dallas Morning News. “I get to go to the meetings. I’m at practice. I’m part of the games.”
Despite initially stating he would not address Aikman’s criticism, McCarthy did respond directly.
While he avoided using the word “lazy,” it was clear he was referring to Aikman’s choice of words.
Ismg“Troy’s statement, in particular, I don’t agree with the word selection,” McCarthy said.
“But there is definitely a need for improvement in every position, not just one position that he commented on.
So, I think you look at the whole picture. You break it down, and that’s what coaches do. There’s a process to it. There’s always a plan. These guys bring great energy. Their work ethic is high.”
Aikman, however, has pointed to the Cowboys’ receivers as a key issue in the team’s offensive struggles, rather than placing blame on quarterback Dak Prescott.
“I think the routes are terrible. I think they run terrible routes,” Aikman said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “And I’ve thought that beyond this year.
I think CeeDee (Lamb) has got to improve in his route running.
As a quarterback, if you’re not certain where guys are going to be consistently, it’s hard to play the position. That’s what I see.”
He continued: “I see guys lazy coming off the line of scrimmage.
Sometimes they run, usually if they do, it’s because they’re anticipating they’re going to get the football on that play, but if they’re not, they don’t. And it all ties together. I’m not impressed with that part of it.”
It’s fair to criticize Lamb’s performance this season, as he has recorded 476 yards and two touchdowns through six weeks.
The Cowboys’ lack of depth at receiver has led Prescott to rely heavily on Lamb, but the duo has struggled—Lamb’s 47.2% catch rate is the lowest of his career.
Lamb, who held out through training camp and the preseason in pursuit of a new contract, finally secured one on August 26, just under two weeks before the season opener. However, he has yet to find his rhythm this season.
Last year, Lamb had a Pro Football Focus receiving grade of 91.2, ranking fourth in the NFL.
This year, his grade has dropped to 70.7, placing him 46th. The Cowboys’ other top receiver, Jalen Tolbert, has a grade of 66.5, ranking him 69th.
