George Pickens‘ contract year has had more highs than lows overall. But, while the fourth-year pro has mostly thrived on the field, questions still linger about the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver.
Count Terry Bradshaw among those still wanting to see more from Pickens as a leader, not just as a player. On Sunday, Pickens again got his numbers with seven receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown in a 34-17 loss to the Chargers. But for Bradshaw, the wideout has yet to resolve the concerns about his effort that followed him during his early NFL career.
“I don’t care how great you are individually,” Bradshaw said. “To win championships, everybody has to play for everyone. You just can’t have one guy going, ‘I need my numbers. If I don’t get my numbers, I’m not running routes.’”
Pickens’ Week 16 performance, while impressive, came after a stretch during which he combined for just 70 yards in a two-game losing streak after logging 70-plus yards in all but four games this season. He entered Sunday ranked third in the NFL in receiving yards (1,212) and top 10 in targets (155), and boosted those numbers while adding another good game to his career season.
Still, Pickens’ route-running effort and his temperament have garnered attention, much like during his three years in Pittsburgh.
“I’ve done things with Pickens where he was supposed to be there. He never shows up, never shows up,” said Bradshaw, a Steelers legend. “And it’s just exactly one of the reasons that Pittsburgh got rid of him.”
With Pickens becoming a free agent this offseason, comments like Bradshaw’s might give some teams pause. The Cowboys (6-8-1) could extend or place a franchise tag on Pickens, or they also could let him walk into unrestricted free agency.
As for Pickens, blocking out the noise and playing to his potential should remain his primary focus. He’ll have two more games to show the Cowboys and the rest of the NFL his true value.
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