The Dallas Cowboys have acquired wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason, aiming to enhance their offensive depth. This move is intended to provide more versatile options in the passing game and make opposing defenses adapt more convincingly. Early indications from team practices suggest promising chemistry between Pickens and quarterback Dak Prescott.
Following a disappointing 2023 season, where injuries to key players like Dak Prescott and star receiver CeeDee Lamb limited their success, the Cowboys are eager to rebound. The team ended last year with only seven wins and dealt with complications including contract holdouts and an overall shallow offensive roster. Pickens was brought in to help address these offensive gaps.
CeeDee Lamb expressed optimism about the new partnership on the field, telling reporter Jon Machota:
“It’s been fun, just watching GP and Dak [Prescott] cook. I feel like it’s a bit underrated right now, I can’t wait for those guys to unleash, and obviously I’m going to be on the other end of it and doing my thing.” —CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys Wide Receiver
Despite some fans’ reservations about Pickens due to his inconsistent performance last season with the Steelers, Lamb’s confidence indicates he sees untapped potential in the duo. Pickens struggled at times in Pittsburgh, missing practice before key games and registering minimal production. Yet, his growing rapport with Prescott could signal a significant offensive boost for Dallas.
Preseason Struggles Continue for Cowboys Without Their Starters
The Cowboys endured their second consecutive preseason loss when they were thoroughly defeated by the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. This came after an earlier preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams, a matchup remembered partly due to a bold prediction by Prescott before kickoff. Both games saw the Cowboys competing without starters Prescott and Lamb, limiting their ability to perform.
In the game against Baltimore, backup quarterback Cooper Rush led the Ravens’ offense, throwing for 198 yards, one touchdown, but with two interceptions. The Cowboys’ offense was led mainly by Joe Milton III, with Will Grier also seeing some snaps. Milton struggled significantly, being intercepted once and sacked in the end zone for a safety that gave the Ravens their first points. The offensive line’s inability to protect Milton and establish a running attack compounded the offense’s struggles.
Defensively, the Cowboys’ issues were clear, emphasizing the importance of linebacker Micah Parsons. Although it was a preseason game, the Ravens managed to rush for a strong 148 yards without their star running back Derrick Henry, underlining Dallas’ defensive vulnerability.
The Cowboys did not manage to get on the scoreboard until the third quarter, falling behind badly in the first half. Despite some efforts to rally later in the game, the deficit was too large to overcome, resulting in a decisive road loss to Baltimore.
Implications for Dallas Cowboys Moving Forward
The Cowboys’ disappointing preseason results highlight the ongoing challenges they face as they attempt to end a prolonged NFC championship drought. The offense’s struggles in the absence of Prescott and Lamb underline the need for improved depth and cohesion. The acquisition of George Pickens could be crucial if the emerging connection with Prescott matures, potentially providing the offensive spark Dallas has lacked.
This season will be an important test of the Dallas front office’s strategy to rebuild a competitive team around their key talent. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Pickens and Prescott emerge as a dynamic duo capable of transforming the Cowboys’ passing game and helping the team return to playoff contention.