Cowboys, Pickens, and a Postgame Post: Why Dallas Is Choosing Conversation Over Crisis
The Cowboys took a tough one on the chin Thursday night, falling to Detroit in a 44-30 shootout that left more than just the scoreboard buzzing. After the final whistle, it wasn’t just the stats that made headlines - it was George Pickens, and a now-deleted social media jab at Richard Sherman, that had people talking.
Now, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is stepping in, not with punishment, but with perspective.
Schottenheimer to Pickens: Let’s Talk
On Friday, Schottenheimer made it clear: he hasn’t spoken with Pickens yet, but he plans to. His message was simple - this is part of the job. “This is unfortunately part of the profession,” he said, referring to both the criticism and the emotional fallout that sometimes follows.
The post in question came after Sherman, the former All-Pro cornerback turned analyst, called Pickens “uninterested” and “disengaged” during the Cowboys’ loss. Pickens fired back online, writing that Sherman “AIN’T SHH WITHOUT THE LEGION OF BOOM,” before deleting the message shortly after.
It was a flash of frustration from a player who’s been under the microscope before - and one who’s had to answer questions about his demeanor since his days in Pittsburgh.
What the Film - and the Numbers - Really Say
Let’s be clear: the tape doesn’t show a receiver mailing it in. Pickens finished with five catches for 37 yards, his lowest output of the season and the first time none of his receptions went for more than 10 yards. But context matters - especially when CeeDee Lamb exited early with a concussion, allowing Detroit to key in on Pickens with tighter coverage.
Schottenheimer, after reviewing the film, pushed back on the idea that Pickens lacked effort. Instead, he pointed to the bigger picture - and the numbers back him up.
Pickens is having a career year, ranking in the NFL’s top 10 in receptions (78), receiving yards (1,179), and touchdowns (eight). That’s not the profile of a disengaged wideout.
That’s the profile of a go-to weapon.
Emotional Flash, Not a Locker Room Fire
This isn’t a locker room unraveling. Schottenheimer’s approach wasn’t disciplinary - it was supportive.
He wants to check in with Pickens, not call him out. And that tone matters, especially in a locker room that’s dealt with its share of adversity this season.
Still, the emotional post - even if quickly deleted - feeds into a narrative that’s followed Pickens since his Steelers days. It’s not about his talent; few question that.
It’s about how teams weigh personality alongside production. And when emotions spill into the public eye, it gives critics ammo.
But let’s not get it twisted: this isn’t a player blowing up or a team on the brink. This is a young, passionate receiver reacting to public criticism in the heat of the moment.
The Cowboys know that. And instead of overreacting, they’re choosing to have a conversation.
The Bigger Picture for Dallas
For Dallas to stay in playoff contention, they’ll need Pickens locked in - not just physically, but mentally. With Lamb’s status still uncertain, Pickens may be leaned on even more in the coming weeks. And if his season-long production is any indication, he’s more than capable of carrying that load.
The Cowboys aren’t brushing off the incident, but they’re not blowing it out of proportion either. They’re treating it like what it is - a moment, not a meltdown.
And if Pickens continues to let his play do the talking, the rest of the noise will fade soon enough.