The Dallas Cowboys claimed a 33-16 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football, dominantly influenced by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. At the start of the game, watching the key wide receivers on the sidelines had fans questioning Brian Schottenheimer’s approach. Dak Prescott’s distribution is often supported by Lamb’s aerial mobility and Pickens’ agile offensive drives, yet the benching before a crucial game remains a mystery.

Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer raised eyebrows by starting Jalen Tolbert, Ryan Flournoy, and KaVontae Turpin in his three-wide formation on the Cowboys’ very first drive against the Raiders. Two factors chip in to this story, firstly, Schottenheimer could have given the unconventional wide receiver room an opportunity against the weaker defence that sits 30th with a PFF grade of 54.5.  

“CeeDee Lamb said he didn’t want to get into it. George Pickens said it’s between them and Schottenheimer,” Nick Harris, of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reported on X.

Or secondly, the HC was forced to start a three-wide formation because the star wide receivers were absent during their stay in Vegas. And no comments were made about the situation because what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. 

“I’m not going in depth on that,” Lamb said when asked about the duo’s benching.

With both the key receivers out, Dallas went three-and-out on its opening series, and Prescott fumbled the ball, preventing the Cowboys’ second drive. The Cowboys’ offense then took off, scoring on each of their next five possessions, including four consecutive touchdown drives, as Lamb and Pickens played their key positions. 

“Just stepping up and playing, playing how we play, man, doing what we do,” Lamb said post-game. “We’re out there for a reason, and it was fun.”

Lamb became the third-fastest Cowboys player to reach 40 touchdown receptions in 88 games with his touchdown in the second quarter. In terms of receptions in franchise history, Lamb posted 536 receptions, surpassing Dez Bryant’s 531 mark.

Pickens finished with nine receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown, shredding the Raiders’ defense with strong, unstoppable drives. Lamb caught five passes for 66 yards and was responsible for Dallas’ first touchdown, which came from a walk-in-the-park reception in the end zone. Neither Lamb nor Pickens publicly addressed the benching. Yet their on-field performance spoke volumes, justifying Schottenheimer’s risk. 

Brian Schottenheimer’s decision to sidelines CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens

After the week-11 offensive drama, Schottenheimer addressed the situation and did not provide any information, similar to what the receivers said, but left room for the mystery to reveal itself. 

“Made a coach’s decision. There were some things that were missed,” Schottenheimer said.

ESPN’s Lisa Salters reported that Pickens and Lamb were benched during the opening game due to a coach’s decision rather than an injury. According to Salters, she questioned the Cowboys’ PR staff about whether Lamb and Pickens’ benching was a kind of punishment.

“You’ll have to address that with the coach,” the staff said.

Reportedly, breaking the team’s internal regulations was the reason for the punishment. During their stay in Las Vegas, Lamb and Pickens allegedly disregarded the Cowboys’ curfew. Security cameras captured both players in the hotel lobby after their allocated time.

However, the tension between the HC and the receivers dissipated quickly after the temporary benching. Later during the first half of the game, the wide receivers were shown celebrating and giving each other hugs, indicating that they had no bitterness towards their coach.