By the numbers: Lamb vs. Smith

Utilizing the NFL’s 2022 season as the one standards, Lamb could be seen as a barely higher receiver. He had 28 extra catches, 257 yards and two extra touchdowns than Smith whereas averaging .5 extra yards per catch. 

Lamb did this because the Cowboys No. 1 receiver, one thing Smith hasn’t been since 2021. That yr, Smith had 64 catches, 916 yards and 5 touchdowns. Lamb’s numbers have been additionally higher throughout the board that yr.

However whenever you add the stats from every of their first two seasons, the numbers are barely in Smith’s favor with six extra catches, 75 extra yards and yet one more landing than Lamb.

In fact, there are every kind of intangibles not being thought of right here. First, Lamb was in a position to be part of a staff that already had a No.1 receiver in Amari Cooper. Smith needed to be the man when he joined the Eagles’ dismal passing sport as a rookie in 2021.

Lamb additionally had the posh of beginning his profession with a longtime quarterback in Dak Prescott. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had an incredible 2022 season, however the jury was actually out on him in 2021.

It’s value noting that Lamb had the sixth-most yards amongst NFL receivers final yr, the second time he’s been within the top-20. Smith had the ninth-most yards in 2022, up from twenty eighth place the yr earlier than.

Right here’s the underside line: At this level of their younger careers, Lamb and Smith ought to be counted among the many greatest receivers in soccer. Debates are enjoyable, but it surely’s actually too early to say who is healthier.

Followers that favor an even bigger receiver will respect Lamb at 6-foot-2 and 240 kilos. Those who get pleasure from a extra exact route-runner will get pleasure from Smith. Generously listed at 170 kilos, Smith is likely one of the sport’s smaller receivers however he’s but to overlook a sport in his profession. 

The excellent news is that each gamers get to make their case for actual this week. The Cowboys open their common season towards the Giants on Sunday night time, whereas the Eagles journey to play the Patriots.