It’s hard to blame George Pickens from the Dallas Cowboys for making headlines when he makes amazing plays. Signed from the Pittsburgh Steelers in May, he’s been making waves ever since. Pickens has been truly special, with sensational touchdowns in each of the last three games. With a total of four touchdowns this season, he’s now tied for fourth in the NFL.
Pickens’ recent exploits are particularly noteworthy. In his most notable game against the Green Bay Packers, he caught eight passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. This impressive performance came just three days after a previous game, showcasing his ability to rebound quickly and perform under pressure.
Well, one member of the Dallas Cowboys’ organization is definitely impressed by how Pickens has changed his approach ever since coming to Pittsburgh. The Steelers had perceived him to be a headache due to on- and off-field antics. Now, he has emerged as an even bigger diamond in the rough for Dallas. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was the first to float the notion of Pickens needing to “mature.” The shift in surroundings recently appears to have rejuvenated him.
In a recent game, Pickens made an impressive 29-yard completion to the 1-yard line, outdueling two defenders in the process. His competitive fire and play-making ability jump through the screen with how he attacks each play with confidence.
“The minute I sat down with George Pickens in my office … it was very clear to me, this guy was fired up to be a Dallas Cowboy and excited to help us go win games.” – Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys Offensive Coordinator
Whatever the method, Pickens’ work ethic and dedication have not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Quarterback Dak Prescott praised him for his attention to detail throughout the offseason, noting that Pickens has consistently worked to improve his performance. Even as miscommunication arose throughout practice, Prescott stressed that’s the nature of the beast as the OTAs continue to develop players’ skills.
“No surprises honestly. I’m super proud of him. He played just as I expected him to play,” – Dak Prescott
Pickens’s personal greatness is undeniable, yet he still puts a heavy emphasis on the importance of the team. He doesn’t just do the work himself, he celebrates teamwork and shared responsibility in achieving success on the field.
“You got to remember this is a team game,” – George Pickens
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been among those to praise Pickens for being an “exemplary teammate.” This recognition is the product of Pickens’ work to create an encouraging environment for his new teammates, even with his checkered history in Pittsburgh.
Pickens has done nothing but showcase his love for the game and willingness to be a positive impact player since joining his new squad. It’s his determination that best exemplifies itself in his playing style. In making this catch, he can leverage his skill, knowing that either he makes the catch or he draws a PI flag, particularly in clutch scenarios.
“Kind of like I’ve already showcased, but I just want to show up for Dak, show up for the team,” – George Pickens
As he just keeps learning the game and gaining familiarity with his new teammates, Pickens is set up to make even more big plays in the future. His performance on the field tells the story of how much he has grown as a player and as a teammate.
“How much he loved football. He loves to play the game. You might have to deal with him being late occasionally and some things like that, which sometimes we all oversleep,” – Brian Schottenheimer
As the year goes on, Steeler Nation will be murmuring about George Pickens. Analysts will especially be paying attention to his development as a player in the Dallas Cowboys organization. With each succeeding game, he proves that there’s even higher peaks, higher all-time accomplishment to shoot for. Beyond that, he’s committed to doing his part to help his team win.
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