George Pickens under scrutiny as Cowboys gear up for key clash with Giants
George Pickens’ debut with the Dallas Cowboys left much to be desired. Expectations were high, yet his performance was tepid, a reflection not only of his early days with the team but also of his inconsistent history with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As the Cowboys prepare for a pivotal Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants, questions about Pickens’ commitment have surfaced, notably raised by ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky.
Concerns about Commitment
In the wake of the Cowboys’ lackluster start against the Philadelphia Eagles, Orlovsky did not hold back. He pointedly questioned Pickens’ dedication to the team while appearing on ESPN’s “Get Up.” His remarks highlighted a critical aspect of team dynamics—commitment.
“Not enough effort and not enough commitment to the team,” Orlovsky stated emphatically. He posed a stark question for Pickens: “Do you want to be a part of this team and the future of this organization or not?”
Highlighting Specific Plays
Orlovsky’s criticism was not just general. He pointed to concrete instances during the game where Pickens failed to execute crucial blocks, allowing safeties to disrupt both run and pass plays. “You got to block the safety there. Safety runs by you. He gets in on the play,” he noted, emphasizing the impact of such lapses on the overall performance of the team.
The analyst further expressed disappointment in Pickens’ effort level, remarking on moments when the young wide receiver appeared to jog through routes. “I need to watch that tape and know that you’re fully committed to every single snap,” he said, underscoring the need for intensity from a player with Pickens’ talent.
Supporting his critique, Orlovsky referenced GPS tracking data from Week 1, revealing that Pickens was only running at top speed 18% of the time. For a player of his caliber, Orlovsky deemed that “not enough.”
Pickens Responds to Criticism
Despite the backlash, Pickens remains unfazed. On Wednesday, he addressed the concerns, stating, “Just really staying open for them [offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Dak Prescott]. I’m not really worried about the touches, catches, all that stuff.” His response suggests a focus on team dynamics over personal statistics, though it does little to quell the scrutiny surrounding his commitment.
Opportunities Ahead
As the Cowboys prepare to face the struggling Giants, Pickens finds himself at a crucial juncture. This game presents an invaluable opportunity for him to silence critics and showcase his value to the team. With the Giants reeling, it’s a moment where Pickens can prove he is more than just potential—he can become a vital component of the Cowboys’ offense.
