"He Can Lock Up Anyone — But Not Us": CeeDee Lamb Sends a Chilling Message to Surtain II

CeeDee Lamb Stuns With Bold Move Ahead of Patrick Surtain II Matchup

The offense of the Dallas Cowboys has been firing on all cylinders in 2025, and at the heart of it is Dak Prescott, quietly putting together one of the most efficient seasons of his career. Sitting second in the league with 1,881 passing yards, Prescott has been dealing—and now that Lamb is fully back in the mix, things are getting even more dangerous for opposing defenses.

Last week, CeeDee Lamb reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dynamic receivers in the game: 110 yards on just five catches, with a touchdown. He’s clearly the go-to guy in this offense, and he now has serious help on the outside in George Pickens, who has looked like a perfect fit since his trade to Dallas back in May. 

But this Sunday, the Cowboys face one of their stiffest tests of the season: the Denver Broncos, and more specifically All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Surtain, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has been locking down receivers all season. He’s already posted two games this year without allowing a single catch, and his ability to erase half the field is a big reason Denver owns one of the league’s top pass defenses—currently fifth in yards allowed through the air and leading the NFL in sacks with 34.

Lamb knows exactly what kind of challenge he and Pickens are up against—but he’s not shrinking back. In fact, he’s embracing it.

“We’re absolutely ready for the challenge,” Lamb stated this week. “I don’t know if he’s going to follow (one of us), but if he does, it’s going to be a battle. We know what he brings on the other side of the field and he knows what we bring. So it’s going to be big-on-big whoever he does follow. It’s going to be fun. Looking forward to it.” 

That “us” Lamb mentions? He’s talking about George Pickens, who’s been nothing short of electric in Dallas. Pickens currently ranks fourth in the league with 607 receiving yards and is tied for second in receiving touchdowns with six. He’s been a matchup nightmare on the outside, using his 6-foot-3 frame, long arms and physical style to bully defensive backs at the catch point.

And he’s no stranger to Surtain either. Last season, with his former team, Pickens saw Surtain and had some success in that matchup. Now, with a more explosive offense around him and Prescott delivering, he's ready for another shot.

Surtain typically lines up on the outside, which means we’re very likely to see plenty of one-on-one reps between him and Pickens—and that’s must-see football. But Surtain won’t be the only elite cover man on the field. 

Also worth noting: the Broncos’ pass rush is elite. With Nik Bonitto (8 sacks, second in the NFL) and Jonathon Cooper (6 sacks, third) coming off the edges, Denver has been relentless up front. If Dallas’ offensive line can keep Prescott clean, though, the Cowboys plainly have the weapons to win on the outside—even against a secondary this tough. 

Lamb is a technician who can run every route in the book and turn short throws into big gains. Pickens, meanwhile, is the kind of big-bodied receiver who can stack corners off the line and win vertically. Together, they present a unique challenge for any defense—even one as stout as Denver’s.

And if they start connecting early, it could open up things for Dallas’ ground game. Javonte Williams, who ranks second in the NFL with 592 rushing yards, could become an even bigger factor if Denver’s defense is forced to back off and respect the deep ball.

This one has all the makings of a heavyweight fight on the perimeter: Surtain vs. Lamb. Surtain vs. Pickens. And maybe even Riley Moss stepping into the ring. Strength on strength—elite talent going head-to-head with playoff-level intensity.

As one might say: get your popcorn ready. This one’s going to be fun.