George Pickens returned for his fourth NFL season last Thursday while debuting under the Dallas Cowboys, but fell flat in a four-point loss to the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 24-year-old receiver, traded to the Cowboys for third- and fifth-round picks in 2026 and 2027, respectively, was meant to step in and relieve pressure on a burdened receiving room dominated by CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson.
The ex-Steeler’s performance, though, left much to be desired. With just three receptions for 30 yards on four targets, Pickens drew much criticism from media and fans. Coupled with a crucial unnecessary roughness call on a third-quarter drive in the red zone that eventually led to a fumble, Pickens was questioned about an apparent lack of effort during the season opener.
But, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS Sports on X, Dallas’ newest head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, was quick to defend his receiver, calling for patience as Pickens adjusts to his new role.
As Schottenheimer alluded, Pickens’ talent is something defined by more than one bad game. In his three seasons with Pittsburgh, Pickens established himself as a name to watch on the list of the league’s young receivers, surpassing 2,800 yards on more than 170 receptions and finding himself open in the end zone 12 times.
Pickens’ physicality and downfield explosiveness seemed a good fit for a Cowboys team that could use some true backup to Lamb and an increasingly targeted Ferguson. But Week 1 served as a reminder that a good fit doesn’t always equal a quick fix.
Chemistry takes time, especially in a new setting. Pickens and Dak Prescott may have misaligned on several routes, and the Eagles’ coverage may have limited the possibility of many such routes, but to the Cowboys’ staff, it was simply part of the process.
Whether history will prove them right, as many other players have stumbled after shifting teams in the offseason, the pressure will stay on Pickens. With Dallas’ continuous quest to bring home its first Super Bowl win since 1996, every new addition to the team is likely to be put under a microscope to watch whether they can bring the Cowboys any closer to their goal.
For now, the Cowboys are standing firmly behind their investment. Expect more action from Pickens this weekend, as Dallas prepares to take on Russell Wilson and the New York Giants at home.
