As CeeDee Lamb is gets ready for his return onto the field with the Dallas Cowboys, TV show host Rich Eisen is calling on offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to remove one of the most controversial plays on their playbook: a home-designed run for Lamb. Eisen’s claim is made referring to Lamb’s injury history and knee vulnerability to injury.
When appearing on an episode of The Rich Eisen Show, the host spoke directly into the camera like he was speaking to Schottenheimer himself:
No, absolutely not. You call passes and runs for people and try to get them the ball. … It’s unfortunate, but no second thoughts
His request was not one motivated by just a bystander perspective, as it had historical context. Lamb was injured with a high-ankle sprain when he carried the ball out of the backfield, awkwardly brought down by a linebacker.
No intentions to change
Schottenheimer has already done that exact play in other games and defended his trust in the play. Asked whether he ever questioned himself about placing Lamb in the backfield, particularly considering the injury, the coach replied:
No, absolutely not. You call passes and runs for people and try to get them the ball. … It’s unfortunate, but no second thoughts
His position has consistently been the same: he is her to offer opportunities, even if they may put someone in a position that happens to carry some danger. He has insisted on his confidence in Lamb’s health and in his own decisions, as he intends to do the best for the team.
Is it worth it to risk it like that?
Eisen’s request raises the question of an even larger issue in football planning: at what point does this innovative playmaking become irresponsible, particularly for players? In Lamb’s, there is much on the line, both his body structure and his earned position as the Cowboys’ No. 1 receiver.
Critics argue that a player as important as Lamb needs to avoid these unnecessary carries that expose him to this kind of harm. Supporters of Schottenheimer’s style counter that playmakers need to make big, and at times daring, plays.
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