George Pickens sends important message that reaffirms who he’s been for the Dallas Cowboys after a two-catch game
The Dallas Cowboys have yet to meet the version of George Pickens the public thought they were getting from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was targeted 21 times on Sunday.
Meanwhile, George Pickens finished the game with three targets.
Not too long ago, that probably would have led to some discontent and explosive comments. But in Year 2 of Pickens’ time in Dallas, we have yet to see any version of him that ressembles the controversial Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver he once was.
In fact, Pickens’ postgame message shows his maturity following a two-catch, 75-yard performance is exactly where it needs to be. And that’s a big thing, considering his behavior is almost as important as his play is in a contract year that could translate into him being one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
Pickens doesn’t mind the low targets
“Like I said earlier in the week, it’s engineering victory,” Pickens said of the patience of waiting for his shot while Lamb went off with 189 receiving yards and the game-winning touchdown. “So when you’re doing that and it’s part of the plan, and then you never know what a defense will do. They’ll probably switch it up, double him. So it’s definitely engineering victory. So it’s pretty good.”
It seems like every time Pickens goes without getting a lot of targets, people around the NFL expect trouble to arise. But if anything, that’s all about his Steelers days. With the Cowboys, even under the tag, Pickens is having fun even when he’s blocking for Lamb and Co.
“It was great,” Picken said of watching Lamb go off versus the Texans. “Definitely just the looks we were getting. Just definitely giving the ball every time he’s breaking tackles. So, it was super fun to watch. And then I’m on the field blocking, so it’s always fun to be in there while he’s doing it.”
Pickens did a little bit more than block, to be fair.
First, the obvious: two monster catches.
His 53-yard catch in the third quarter helped set up a touchdown, one of three for Javonte Williams. With under a minute to go in the fourth, his 22-yard grab put the Cowboys at the 12-yard line in what would become the game-winning drive.
Beyond the statsheet, though, Pickens drew a lot of attention from the Texans’ secondary, which helped open up Lamb throughout the game. As they’ve said countless times since the start of the 2025 season, the Cowboys are happy to take what the defense gives them. You can’t easily double both Lamb and Pickens, and they make you pay for it.
For now, though, nothing new in Dallas. No drama for Pickens in a two-catch game. The Pittsburgh luggage stayed in Pittsburgh. Since he wears the silver and navy, it’s all about winning. Even in a huge contract year.
Just ask Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
“What I love about George, man, there’s no one more excited in that locker room right now than George Pickens,” said Schottenheimer postgame. “No one. Not a single player.”
