George Pickens Struggles Again as Cowboys Face Disheartening Loss
For the second consecutive week, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens found himself largely absent from the game plan, contributing to another disappointing defeat for the team. December has not started well for Pickens, who is otherwise enjoying a breakout season. In Sunday night’s matchup, he recorded a mere three receptions for 33 yards on six targets. This followed a lackluster performance the previous week, where he managed just five catches for 37 yards—a stark contrast to his usual output during this career year.
Prescott Analyzes the Situation
Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ quarterback, offered insights into Pickens’ struggles, attributing them to the defensive strategies employed by the Minnesota Vikings. Prescott pointed to the Vikings’ use of Cover 0, a defensive alignment that proved challenging for the Cowboys’ offensive rhythm.
“Honestly, just the zero looks and things like that,” Prescott explained. “Anytime we were in a passing situation or passing downs, they were giving us that look. We tried to throw him just a quick smoke—late, honestly—and maybe we should have done it earlier. Maybe we should have just thrown him a slant. A lot of ‘maybes.’ I’m frustrated. This was one of the toughest ones I’ve been a part of.”
Prescott elaborated on the defensive strategy that stymied their offensive efforts, noting that the Vikings consistently applied pressure that the Cowboys were unprepared for. “The zero looks that we talked about throughout the week, gave it to us a bunch. We didn’t have a good enough answer, and when you don’t have a good enough answer for that, especially against Flores, you’re going to see it again and again. That’s what happened.”
Offensive Struggles Compound the Issue
The Cowboys’ inability to adjust against the Vikings’ defense was a significant factor in their offensive struggles. The team faced difficulties converting on third downs and was ineffective in the red zone, which ultimately hampered their scoring opportunities. Adding to the challenge, Prescott was pressured on nearly half of his dropbacks—48 percent—making it nearly impossible for the offense to establish a rhythm.
In the wake of this defeat, the Cowboys’ playoff aspirations are dimming rapidly. With the Philadelphia Eagles poised to secure a playoff spot by winning just one of their final three games, Dallas may soon be forced to shift its focus to the NFL Draft.
As the team grapples with its recent performances, questions loom over the effectiveness of their strategies and whether adjustments can be made in time to salvage the remainder of the season. In the wake of this latest loss, the Cowboys find themselves at a critical juncture, facing the prospect of a disappointing end to a season that promised much more.
