In a game the Cowboys desperately needed to win to keep their playoff hopes on solid footing, they instead walked away with a 44-30 loss to the Lions-and more questions than answers. Chief among them: what happened to George Pickens?
The star wideout, who has been one of the breakout performers of the 2025 season, was held to just 37 receiving yards-his second-lowest total of the year. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
With CeeDee Lamb exiting in the third quarter due to a concussion, the stage was set for Pickens to step up and take over. Instead, what followed was a performance that lacked urgency and impact, especially in the game’s most critical moments.
Former All-Pro cornerback and current Amazon Prime Video analyst Richard Sherman didn’t mince words during the postgame coverage.
“George Pickens throughout the game, especially late, just looked uninterested,” Sherman said. “If you want to be the best receiver in the NFL, you can’t ever be disengaged. Doesn’t matter if the game’s going your way or not-you can’t disappear.”
Sherman’s critique zeroed in on effort and accountability, particularly in a moment when the Cowboys needed someone to seize the mantle with Lamb sidelined. “You’re the guy,” Sherman continued.
“And you can’t be the guy and half-step it. It’s unacceptable.”
It was a stark contrast from the Pickens we’ve seen for most of this season. Since arriving in Dallas via trade back in May, the former Steelers receiver has looked rejuvenated.
He’s topped 100 yards four times this year and proved he could be a legitimate WR1, especially during the stretch when Lamb missed time with an ankle injury. His athleticism, body control, and explosive playmaking have made him a key piece in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense-and a player the Cowboys have openly said they want to keep around long-term.
That’s what makes Thursday’s showing so puzzling. Pickens has been electric all year, but against Detroit, the spark just wasn’t there. Whether it was the Lions’ defensive scheme, the shift in offensive rhythm after Lamb’s injury, or just an off night, the result was a performance that raised eyebrows-especially for a player reportedly seeking top-tier receiver money.
“If you’re the Dallas Cowboys and you’re looking to pay him $40 million,” Sherman said, “you’re gonna look at this tape and ask, ‘Is this a guy we can trust to show up no matter what?’”
To his credit, Pickens didn’t shy away from the criticism. Speaking after the game, he acknowledged the attention he drew from the Lions’ secondary once Lamb exited, and noted that Sherman, as a former defensive star, would understand how coverage can shift dramatically when a top option goes down.
“For myself personally, you can’t just disappear,” Pickens said, echoing Sherman’s sentiment. It was a candid moment from a player who knows the spotlight is squarely on him now-not just because of what he’s done this year, but because of what’s expected moving forward.
The Cowboys will need a short memory as they prepare for a pivotal Week 15 matchup against the Vikings. And so will Pickens.
the story of the game was George Pickens
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 5, 2025
“uninterested in playing football…
disengaged… disappeared… half-assed it…
unacceptable”
Richard Sherman pulls no punches 😳 pic.twitter.com/87VntE3dIr
If he can bounce back and remind everyone why he’s been one of the league’s most dynamic receivers this season, Thursday’s performance will be a footnote. But if the inconsistency creeps back in, the conversations around his long-term future in Dallas-and whether he’s worth WR1 money-will only get louder.
For a team teetering on the edge of the playoff picture, and for a receiver on the verge of a massive payday, the stakes couldn’t be higher.