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Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb on spectacular TD catch vs. Vikings, Justin Jefferson

It wasn’t CeeDee Lamb’s best game as a rookie, but it included one of his best first-year highlights.

The Dallas cowboys second-year receiver’s touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium last November showcased his acrobatic athleticism as he twisted to adjust to Andy Dalton’s pass while falling back-first to the turf. He made the initial catch with just his left hand and secured it with both as he hit the turf.

Lamb and the Cowboys (5-1) return to to face the Vikings in Minneapolis, Minn., at 7:20 p.m. Sunday.

“It crosses my mind quite a bit just because, obviously, that was one of my most memorable catches,” said Lamb, who leads the Cowboys with 33 receptions and 497 yards. He’s tied with Amari Cooper for the team lead with four touchdown catches. “I’m going to take that one to the grave.”

The catch, which helped the Cowboys beat the Vikings 31-28, was especially gratifying for Lamb because it came against Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson was one of six receivers selected along with Lamb in the 2020 NFL draft. The Cowboys selected Lamb at No. 17. The Vikings selected Jefferson at No. 22, right after the Eagles selected TCU’s Jalen Reagor. Jefferson leads the 2020 group of first-rounders with 41 catches for 542 yards this season. He’s given quarterback Kirk Cousins a great one-two punch with veteran Adam Thielen.

Lamb says he and Jefferson have exchanged messages on Instagram.

“He’s a great player, a great receiver. I watch him about as much as I watch any other receiver,” Lamb said. “I like his game, I like the way he moves with the ball after the catch. Very phenomenal receiver.”

The competition to be known as the “best” receiver from their draft class adds some extra motivation, Lamb said.

“I’m sure he wants to be the best, and likewise, I definitely want to be considered the best in the class and I feel like that’s kind of what keeps us going,” he said. “The production you see throughout week in, week out is just out of the love of the game and how much we’re trying to compete and make a name for ourselves.”

The catch he made a year ago against the Vikings helped elevate Lamb’s profile around the league as the highlight blew up on social media.

“That definitely was a confidence booster. It felt good after the catch,” said Lamb, who thinks he and Jefferson have similar games.

“He checks all boxes. He can run great routes, he can catch the ball in contested catches,” Lamb said. “Great route runner, yards after the catch. I see a lot of resemblance in my game and his and vice versa. He’s a great receiver.”