Cowboys receiver George Pickens is getting close to a crucial moment in his career: the end of his rookie contract. Every game is important now, both the great ones and the not-so-great ones.
Last Thursday, something seemed off during the game. Pickens was targeted nine times but only managed to catch five passes for 37 yards—the lowest since his first week of play. He also appeared disengaged at times. On one play, it looked like he didn’t put much effort into his route, and quarterback Dak Prescott noticed.
Richard Sherman commented on Pickens’s effort during a post-game show, which led to Pickens responding on Instagram. He called Sherman a “LEACH WEIRDO” and criticized his past performance, referencing Sherman’s time with the Legion of Boom in Seattle.
Even as a fan of Pickens, I can’t help but notice a pattern. The Steelers haven’t utilized his talents fully during his three seasons. Experts say it’s vital to get talented receivers like Pickens involved early with innovative plays.
On Thursday, after receiver CeeDee Lamb left the game due to a concussion, the opposing Lions focused on shutting down Pickens, allowing other players like Ryan Flournoy to step up. While Sherman’s critiques may have stung, they were not entirely unfounded. Pickens did seem frustrated and disconnected at times.
In the past, some fans have viewed Pickens as immature or unreliable. Sadly, one off game can reinforce those beliefs. This makes it essential for him to demonstrate consistency, especially as he approaches the chance for a payday.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer pointed out that he would look at Pickens as a whole rather than focus on one game. Similarly, team owner Jerry Jones mentioned that effort is important, but he preferred not to delve too deeply into a single performance.
The Cowboys need to treat this game as an outlier and keep Pickens motivated. But it’s also on him. With just four games left until he can negotiate a new contract, he must continue to show his skills. His recent performances had been impressive, but a lackluster showing could influence how future teams perceive him.
In the NFL, perception is crucial. Teams study players’ performances and plan how to counter them. If Pickens wants to secure a worthwhile contract, he needs to stay engaged and prove he’s worth the investment.
As we watch his career unfold, it’s clear every moment counts—both on the field and in how he manages his reactions off of it.
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