Cowboys receiver George Pickens has come under fire for his game in Detroit, but his head coach has come to his defense.
Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens has found himself under a little bit of pressure after the 44-30 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Pickens would be held to just five catches for 37 yards, and with CeeDee Lamb out of the game early in the third quarter, the stage was set for George, as he has done several times this season, to take the game over.
But this time he didn't.
Many have pointed out George's lack of energy on routes, and him not having the same vigor he has had in previous weeks, with some even stating the "old Pickens" returned in Detroit.
However, head coach Brian Schottenheimer sees it differently.
"I don't think so, I'm going to look at it," Schottenheimer said. "He was being doubled the minute CeeDee went out, they just decided to play everything two-man and try to take him away."
Former NFL corner Richard Sherman even stated that Pickens disappeared in Detroit, which is quite the slap in the face to George.
He didn't have the best of games, and after what he has done the previous five or six games, maybe a little bit of grace should be coming Pickens' way.
But the man himself responded to Sherman's comments, and agreed.
“For myself, personally, you can’t just disappear," Pickens said via Joe Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News.
So, George is self-aware enough to know that he didn't come through for his team in the biggest spot when they needed him the most.
The backlash on social media has been as expected, but in truth, those same fans trashing Pickens now were the ones singing his praises last week.
But football gives, and it takes away, and after his performance in Detroit, which saw Dallas' playoff hopes take another hit, Pickens has to deal with what was a really poor game on the national stage.
CeeDee Lamb bounced back after his poor game, and I'd imagine George will do the same.
Indeed, Dak Prescott is counting on it.
"I'm sure George would tell you that wasn't his best game,'' Dak said. "I think he'd just say that this game wasn't up to his standard. I'm sure he'll own it, and I know he'll be better."