George Pickens Breaks Out of Slump as Cowboys Look to Rally Against Chargers
ARLINGTON - For weeks, George Pickens had been a marked man. After a red-hot midseason stretch where he routinely torched defenses, the Cowboys’ newest offensive weapon came into Week 16 in a bit of a funk - and under a microscope.
Two straight games with fewer than 40 receiving yards. Body language that had fans and analysts raising eyebrows. And questions swirling about whether the early-season spark had fizzled out.
But on a brisk Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium, Pickens reminded everyone exactly why Dallas gave up so much to bring him over from Pittsburgh last spring. At halftime, even though the Cowboys trail the Los Angeles Chargers 21-17, Pickens is putting together the kind of performance that makes you sit up and say, “There he is.”
Through two quarters, Pickens has hauled in four catches for 86 yards, including a beautifully executed 38-yard touchdown strike from Dak Prescott. It was vintage Pickens - tracking the deep ball in stride, creating separation late, and finishing with authority. That play didn’t just put points on the board; it reignited a connection that had gone quiet in recent weeks.
Prescott, for his part, has been sharp. He’s completed 14 of 18 passes for 156 yards, showing poise in the pocket and a willingness to test the Chargers’ secondary. And while the defense - even with Trevon Diggs back in the fold - has struggled to contain Justin Herbert and the Chargers' passing game, the offense has kept Dallas in it.
CeeDee Lamb has chipped in with four catches of his own, continuing to be the steady presence in this receiving corps. And rookie Ryan Flournoy made his mark with a touchdown grab before exiting the game with a knee injury. His status will be worth monitoring, especially as Dallas continues to search for reliable production behind its top two wideouts.
The bigger picture here is clear: Dallas needs George Pickens to be that guy. Not just a complementary piece, but a game-changer - the kind of receiver who tilts coverages, opens up the field for others, and demands attention every snap.
That’s the version of Pickens we saw in the first half. And if the Cowboys are going to make a real push in the postseason, they’ll need that version to stick around.
Beyond the scoreboard, there’s also the looming conversation about Pickens’ future in Dallas. The franchise tag - projected at $28 million - is waiting in the wings. And while that’s a discussion for after the season, performances like this one make it a lot easier for the front office to justify the price tag.
For now, though, the task is simple: finish the comeback, tighten up the coverage, and keep feeding No. 3. Because when George Pickens is locked in like this, the Cowboys’ offense looks a whole lot more dangerous.