Jerry Jones is not keen on the criticism aimed at George Pickens.
The owner of the Cowboys stood by his wide receiver after some observers questioned Pickens’ commitment following last Thursday’s defeat to the Lions.
Amazon Prime analyst Richard Sherman specifically called out Pickens for seeming “disinterested in playing football,” particularly after teammate CeeDee Lamb went down with an injury during the 44-30 loss.
In that game, Pickens recorded just five catches for 37 yards.
Following the game, former ESPN analyst Trey Wingo shared his thoughts on social media, noting, “The Pickens we saw tonight is exactly why Pittsburgh decided to move on.”
Jones pushed back against the escalating scrutiny of Pickens, who had joined the Cowboys from the Steelers this offseason.
Despite the recent criticism, the 24-year-old has had a productive season with 78 catches, 1,179 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns.
“I think the feedback regarding this last game is overly harsh on him and not justified. I get where everyone’s coming from, but there’s more to the story than what appears on the surface,” Jones remarked during his weekly spot on 1053 The Fan.
Jones pointed out how quickly some have judged Pickens after the Detroit game, which he feels is unfair. He added, “He’s had an impressive week of practice.”
In response to Sherman, Pickens highlighted the challenges of performing under pressure and took a shot at Sherman’s past, saying, “It takes a lot of shyness to play explosively…And it’s amusing coming from a former player.” He even hinted at Sherman’s legacy as part of a prominent defensive group.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer also came to Pickens’ defense, acknowledging that the team as a whole needs to improve. “None of us are coaching or playing up to our best,” he noted. “But George has shown he’s an elite player and a game-changer.”
This criticism also comes at a crucial time for Pickens, as he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, potentially setting him up for a chance at a top receiver position next season.
The Cowboys, currently at 6-6-1, still harbor playoff aspirations, aiming to catch up with the 8-5 Eagles in the NFC East. They are set to face the Vikings in Week 15’s “Sunday Night Football.”
