George Pickens Dismisses Schottenheimer’s Critique, Calls for Team Improvement

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys (2-4) are currently experiencing major offensive struggles.

Following back-to-back nighttime defeats to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (24-16) and the Green Bay Packers (23-13) during Weeks 5 and 6, Dallas has failed to reach 20 points in consecutive games started by Dak Prescott for the first time since 2019, which marked Jason Garrett’s final season commanding the franchise. 

A primary obstacle troubling current Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s unit is the team’s ground attack, which ranks 31st overall (averaging just 76.0 yards per contest). Dallas runs the ball on only 32.5% of its snaps—the lowest rate in the NFL—and this past Thursday, Schottenheimer called out Pro Bowl wideout George Pickens regarding his commitment to run blocking alongside his intensity during rushing calls. The head coach and play-caller believes it becomes far more difficult to execute convincing play-action fakes when Pickens displays what Schottenheimer views as subpar intensity on running plays.

Following Friday’s workout, Pickens opted not to directly tackle the head coach’s critiques, choosing instead to emphasize the collective effort required by the entire unit to repair the sluggish running game. While his 1,429 receiving yards during 2025 finished third across the entire league, his 428 yards this year currently place him outside the top ten at 12th overall.

“I feel like, as I mentioned, as a collective group, whether it’s running, passing, or whatever, you know? One week, you guys [the reporters] claim it’s the defense [that has problems]; another week it’s something else,” Pickens stated. “I think when you break down all the talk, it comes back to the team. So absolutely, I think as a team, we just have to keep getting better.”   

Ever since Dallas brought Pickens over via a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers back in May 2025, he and fellow Pro Bowl receiver CeeDee Lamb have developed a tight bond. Lamb has noticed zero decline in Pickens’ demeanor, regardless of remarks coming from inside or outside the Cowboys’ organization concerning the dynamic wideout.

“I pay no attention to it [the noise]. I spend more time with GP than almost anybody in the facility, and I’ll always have his back. As for your question [Lamb shrugged, cocked his head, and offered a clever smile]. We’re good, man,” Lamb shared on Friday. “He [Pickens] shows up prepared to work every single chance he gets. It doesn’t appear to affect him. We don’t sit around dwelling on negative talk. Regarding his mindset, showing up and remaining consistent every day, he continues to do that.”  

Why establishing balance is crucial for the Cowboys offense to resurrect big plays

Creating big gains through both air and ground attacks could also prove vital in revitalizing the rushing performance. Dallas has logged 34 explosive plays—categorized by TruMedia as receptions of at least 16 yards or rushes of 12-plus yards—putting them 22nd in the league heading into Week 7. By comparison, Dallas posted 127 big plays last year, ranking seventh overall. Slightly above 73% of those long gains in 2025 came through the air (93 plays), with Pickens generating more than a third of those big grabs via 34 receptions, the fourth-highest mark in the league. Going into Week 7 of the current campaign, Pickens’ 10 explosive catches put him 17th. 

What must Pickens do to get engaged earlier during contests? From his perspective, he is already executing his role. 

“I’m executing what the coaches ask of me,” Pickens remarked. “So, I’m just [going to keep] following their instructions.”  

Additionally, he believes a more rounded offensive scheme would naturally generate big plays for both himself and his teammates. The 25-year-old brought up how, when playing college football video games, offensive styles are categorized as “Air Raid” or “Ground and Pound.” Pickens’ ideal scheme is one described as “balanced.” He also downplayed the idea that he must target the football immediately at kickoff to find his rhythm. 

“I wouldn’t necessarily view it that way because … [if] you can effectively run and pass, it comes down to balance. It isn’t strictly about me or another individual,” Pickens explained. “Looking at it as a team, how would you design your offense or defense even when playing a video game?”

Better execution—simply capitalizing on opportunities—could provide an immediate solution. Opponents have ramped up their blitzing against Dallas recently, and the team hasn’t adequately positioned quarterback Dak Prescott for success under pressure, particularly regarding protection schemes and player communication. During 2025, Prescott registered a 103.8 passer rating against blitzes. That number has plummeted to 89.1 this season.

“Execute cleanly. We are leaving big plays out on the turf virtually every game. It’s tough to admit, but when you watch the film, it’s obvious,” Lamb stated. “It comes down to sharpening execution and staying aligned on sight adjustments. We sense that opposing teams think blitzing gives them a superior shot at beating us. I disagree with that idea, yet they’ve [opposing defenses] found success with it lately. It all hinges on being synchronized and executing the plan.”

The Pickens factor

Restoring big plays to the Cowboys’ attack might allow Dallas to regain the spark and offensive momentum enjoyed during Schottenheimer’s inaugural year. Feeding Pickens the ball plays a major role in achieving that goal. 

“I believe it would benefit my teammates hugely. Whether it’s me, Javonte [Williams], Turp [KaVontae Turpin], Flo [Ryan Flournoy], Cee [CeeDee Lamb], Ferg [Jake Ferguson], whomever we get involved quickly, it creates energy for everyone. That’s why I emphasize total balance, you know?”

Dallas offensive coordinator Klayton Adams concurred, noting he senses the intensity and energy whenever Pickens turns in a big play and begins jawing at defensive backs, even from high up in the coaches’ booth during games. 

“I believe the intent is definitely present. It’s featured in our planning when setting up early scripts,” Adams stated Friday. “Something we began encountering near the end of last year is that opponents defend us quite differently than what they show on game film. So in several games this season, the opening quarter becomes a situation where we realize, ‘Okay, that’s not what we scouted, we must shift to options X, Y, and Z.’ On-the-fly adjustments can force you away from initial scripts, or occasions arise where he draws double coverage early, and placing him alongside CeeDee on one side draws three defensive coverages, making it tricky to deliver him the ball.”

“The simplest response is that I must do a superior job guaranteeing he touches [the ball], because he’s a dynamic playmaker whenever he’s holding it,” Adams added. “And, to put it plainly, talking trash to opponents. I know it gets me fired up.”

Prescott characterized Pickens’ competitive fire as “contagious,” highlighting it as a crucial driver of team momentum. 

“We simply need to target him early; I strongly believe that will assist,” Prescott expressed Friday. … “He’s someone whose energy spreads throughout the squad whenever he makes a catch. Whether through his celebrations or yardage after the catch, it generates positive energy we can ride.”  

How can Dallas design early opportunities for Pickens? A viable approach is lining him up alongside Lamb on the same side, utilizing routes that decouple Pickens from the defensive focus Lamb attracts. Alternatively, manufacturing quick target opportunities on short screen passes represents another path Adams recognized as viable. 

“If you anticipate aligning both players [Lamb and Pickens] together to dictate a specific coverage, that works as a tactic,” Adams explained. “With players like CeeDee, we occasionally hand off on jet sweeps, which is a simple touches approach. I think working out the cleanest design to target a player often yields the best result. And if you feel confident they won’t get safety help over the top, wideouts love taking shots on fade routes.”

Ultimately, the Cowboys must determine how to fully leverage their offensive weapons immediately, beginning with their upcoming “Monday Night Football” showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) as the NFC East title race remains wide open. The NFC East turned into the first division in NFL history to go winless over back-to-back weeks with a collective 0-6-2 record starting in Week 5, yet Dallas understands that taking advantage of division rivals’ mistakes is an urgent priority.

“I’d describe us as focused, and hopefully urgent. There’s a limit to how long we can repeat, ‘There are plenty of games remaining,'” Prescott remarked concerning the team’s attitude. “That window might already be closing, right? We have to secure victories. If you intend to position yourself as a contender and a postseason squad, you must collect wins. Losing two straight, especially matchups we anticipated winning, makes the road considerably steeper. So, urgency. We need results right now.”