The telling George Pickens play that we should really be talking about from Cowboys’ loss to Chargers
WR George Pickens keeps finding ways to destroy the narrative that surrounds him.
We all know about George Pickens’ dominance as a wide receiver in his first year with the Dallas Cowboys.
And if you briefly forgot about it during a two-game slump, Pickens made sure to remind you with a 130-yard performance in the 34-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. But it was another play — one in which he wasn’t even targeted — that we need to discuss, as it is very telling of his attitude going into Week 16.
Pickens refuses to make the business decision
You may or may not have noticed Pickens making a tackle after Cowboys QB Joe Milton fumbled the ball late in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t the biggest of hits nor a particularly impressive play. Chances are Cowboys fans were rolling their eyes back out of frustration and maybe didn’t even catch it.
But here’s the thing: I love this from Pickens.
Think about it. The game is so over that Milton is in for Dak Prescott. It’s picked up by Chargers LB Tuli Tuipulotu, who weighs 266 pounds. Oh, and Dallas is mathematically eliminated from the playoffs! Pickens has no need whatsoever to risk an injury by lowering his shoulder on him, but he does.
Pickens keeps proving the narrative wrong
It might seem like a small thing, and it may well be. But considering one bad game was all it took for Pickens to face accusations of being lazy and immature, it matters. In the offseason, Pickens will be one of the biggest stories in the NFL as negotiations with the Cowboys will begin. When the time comes, showing he’s a good teammate will go a long way for Pickens.
And a simple decision to make the tackle doesn’t prove he is, but it sure complements the fact that teammates and coaches keep praising him for his camaraderie in the locker room. It’s just who he is, and it’s time we acknowledge it.
Another big day
Of course, tackling won’t be what makes Pickens one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. Catching will, which is what he did a lot of on Sunday’s loss to the Chargers, making seven grabs for 130 yards and a touchdown. It was his fifth game with at least 130 receiving yards and a score.
Dallas Cowboys News
The Cowboys have a couple of obvious decisions to make after hitting rock-bottom versus the Chargers
The Dallas Cowboys have two decisions to make after their loss to the L.A. Chargers.
