Dallas Cowboys’ Playoff Woes: Can George Pickens Be the Answer?
In a bold move, the Dallas Cowboys have signed wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers, sparking debate about whether this addition can overcome the team’s playoff struggles. Former NFL wide receiver and two-time Super Bowl winner James Jones has expressed his doubts, pointing to quarterback Dak Prescott as the primary factor in the team’s inability to advance beyond the divisional round.
Jones, who played nine years in the league and won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2011, shared his thoughts on "The Facility" show, stating, "The reason you haven’t gotten over the hump is that you have not played well in the biggest games… You have not played well in the playoffs." He emphasized that even with the addition of Pickens, the team’s playoff performance is ultimately dependent on Prescott’s ability to deliver under pressure.
The Cowboys have invested heavily in Prescott, signing him to a $240 million extension in September. However, despite this investment, the team has failed to progress beyond the divisional round since Prescott became the starting quarterback. The acquisition of Pickens is seen as an attempt to surround Prescott with more talent, but Jones remains skeptical about the team’s ability to overcome their playoff woes.
Pickens brings impressive production to the Cowboys, having accumulated 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in three seasons with the Steelers. His best year was in 2023, when he registered 63 receptions for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns, leading the NFL with 18.1 yards per catch. The Cowboys’ offense now boasts a formidable lineup of weapons, with Prescott having Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, and tight end Jake Ferguson to throw to.
The trade marks a significant rebuild of the Cowboys’ offense, with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasizing the team’s culture and Prescott’s leadership. However, Pickens’ past incidents of sideline explosions and social media issues while with the Steelers may require careful management.
As the NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on the Cowboys to see if the addition of Pickens can finally help them overcome their playoff struggles. With a consistent quarterback situation for the first time in his NFL career, Pickens has an opportunity to shine, and Prescott will be under pressure to deliver. Can the Cowboys finally break through to the next level, or will their playoff woes continue? Only time will tell.
