The trajectory of wide receiver George Pickens is ascending in the city of Dallas, highlighted by comments from team owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressing a desire to see the former Pittsburgh Steelers player representing the Cowboys next season.
“It would be wonderful to have him contribute to our team,” Jones conveyed to reporters following the Cowboys’ comeback victory against the Philadelphia Eagles this past weekend, overcoming a 21-point deficit.
Jones continued: “Furthermore, I’d be delighted to retain 88 [CeeDee Lamb] on our roster. I am aware of the inquiries surrounding this, but we are thoroughly satisfied with the efficiency of our offensive execution facilitated by their collaboration.”
On two occasions this season, Lamb has struggled with dropped passes during games against the Eagles. A significant instance occurred when the four-time Pro Bowl wideout was unable to secure a potential game-winning touchdown in the closing moments of the fourth quarter.
In the same game, he managed to secure four catches, accumulating 75 yards.
Jones stated that he does not hold concerns about Lamb’s drops. However, the player, aged 26, has recorded eight drops throughout the current season. This figure is three below his personal career maximum, as indicated by PFF. According to ESPN Research, however, it’s the highest drop total a Cowboys player has posted since Dez Bryant had nine during the 2012 season.
“The objective is to continually seek improvement,” Lamb stated, as reported by ESPN.
“Aim to proactively find solutions instead of dwelling excessively on the problem. We acknowledge the issue, which is my need to secure the catch. Beyond that, we will be satisfactory. When I successfully catch the ball, be prepared.”
PFF identified four instances of Lamb dropping the ball during Dallas’s initial-game loss to the Eagles. In the subsequent game, he successfully caught nine of his eleven target passes, accumulating 112 yards in an overtime victory against the New York Giants.
Dak Prescott anticipates a similar performance on Thanksgiving against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“A very significant game. One only has to look back at his previous career,” Prescott commented, as quoted by Jon Machota of The Athletic. “Whenever there is a game where his performance doesn’t meet his typical standards, or if he experiences drops or encounters a challenging game, his response has consistently been reliable. I remember earlier this year it was the same way.
“There was his next game after the initial game we played [at Philadelphia], and I anticipate a comparable response this time.”
Lamb entered the season as the Cowboys’ WR1, but he’s observing Pickens’ rise on the team’s receiving leaderboard. Lamb has successfully caught 44 passes, accumulating 632 yards and 2 touchdowns.
In contrast, Pickens has achieved 67 receptions, 1,054 yards, and 8 touchdowns. It’s worth mentioning that Lamb was absent for three games because of a high ankle sprain.
Nevertheless, his current performance indicates a trajectory toward a career-low reception percentage and a career-high drop rate, according to PFF.
“The reality is, my lack of focus is contributing,” Lamb mentioned, as reported by ESPN. “I often prioritize subsequent actions before securing the catch. This behavior is recurrent, as I find myself contemplating the next move prior to actually catching the ball and other activities.
“The responsibility rests primarily with me, and I have never been one to shift blame. So, yes, it’s on me, and I need to address it.”
Lamb is assuming responsibility. He expresses hope to re-engage on Thursday, contributing to the NFL’s leading passing offense.
