George Pickens didn’t exactly hand out compliments to the Texans’ secondary after Sunday’s 34-30 Cowboys win. He did, however, make it clear he respects what Houston brings up front.
Asked whether Houston had more physical defensive backs than Dallas had seen earlier this season, Pickens pointed instead to the Texans’ pass rush and defensive line.
George Pickens when asked if the Texans were more physical defensive backs than what they’ve seen: “Na I wouldn’t say that actually. I would say the front.. what is it?
Reader, Anderson, few other guys, they definitely got a good front. Oh Danielle Hunter.
They defintley got a good front.”
That answer put D.J. Reader, Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter in the spotlight, with Pickens calling them a “good front.” At the same time, the comment left plenty of room for interpretation about how he viewed Houston’s defensive backs.
Pickens’ day was efficient rather than busy. He saw only three targets, but turned them into two catches for 75 yards. The biggest of those grabs went for 53 yards and showed exactly why Dallas values his big-play ability.
The Cowboys, now 2-2, didn’t need Pickens to carry the passing game. That job belonged mostly to CeeDee Lamb, who put together a huge outing with 17 catches for 189 yards and a touchdown.
With Lamb soaking up most of the volume and Pickens delivering splash plays when the ball came his way, Dallas had enough firepower to outlast Houston in a shootout. The Cowboys now turn quickly to Week 5, when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football and have a shot to get above .500 for the first time this season.
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