The Dallas Cowboys left Ford Field frustrated on Thursday night, not only because a 44-30 defeat stopped their three-game surge, but because one of their most dynamic playmakers never found his footing.
George Pickens, usually good for at least one highlight every week, was unusually contained, and the reaction afterward reflected that drop-off.
Pickens caught five passes for 37 yards, a surprisingly low total for someone who had been piling up production since arriving from the Pittsburgh Steelers in May.
It was also the first time this season he did not register a gain of 10 yards or more, a stat that stood out given how much Dallas has leaned on him alongside CeeDee Lamb. The performance invited swift criticism, including from NFL analyst Trey Wingo.
“The Pickens we saw tonight…. was exactly why Pittsburgh decided to move on,” Wingo wrote on X.
It was a blunt assessment, and it spread quickly. Pickens has made himself indispensable in Dallas’ offense, topping 1,100 yards and scoring eight touchdowns through 13 games, but Thursday’s outing offered none of the spark that has defined his season.
Sherman calls out Pickens’ engagement and questions future investment
On the Prime Video broadcast, retired cornerback Richard Sherman went beyond the box score. He focused on Pickens’ demeanor, especially late in the game, when Dallas was trying to salvage a comeback.
“George Pickens, thoughout the game, especially in the late game, just looked uninterested playing football,” Sherman said. “And that’s what you can’t have if you’re going to be a superstar, if you want to be the best receiver in the National Football League, you can never be disengaged.
“And if you’re the Dallas Cowboys, you’re looking at him and you’re looking to pay him big time receiver money, $40 million you got to look at this tape and say, ‘Hey, is this the guy we can trust paying $40 million to show up, regardless of circumstance?’ I don’t know.”
Sherman’s comments cut deeper because they addressed the long-term picture. Dallas knows a contract decision is coming, and Pickens’ numbers suggest he could be in line for elite receiver money.
At the same time, the Cowboys cannot ignore what they saw against the Detroit Lions, particularly in a high-leverage moment.
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