With CeeDee Lamb spraining his ankle earlier this season, all the responsibilities fell into the hands of backup WR George Pickens. WR coach Junior Adams made his feelings clear about Pickens and the value he brings to the Dallas Cowboys.

When Junior Adams said George Pickens “carried us a little bit of that way,” he was pointing to more than a hot streak. He acknowledged a significant shift in Dallas’ receiving hierarchy this season. With Lamb on the shelf, Pickens assumed clear WR1 responsibilities and produced consistently explosive plays that kept Dallas competitive in games where the offense otherwise struggled for rhythm.

Adams added that his expectation was simply for Pickens ”to play the way he’s played,” and he credited Pickens’ growth and enjoyment within the Cowboys’ system as crucial to his success. That combination, rising confidence, fit in the offense, and unforced playmaking, is what turned Pickens from a complementary option into the team’s most reliable vertical threat. The Dallas Cowboys are 3-5-1 after the sobering 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night, all thanks to George Pickens.

The 24-year-old has 49 receptions for 764 yards and six touchdowns through nine games. His Week 4 outing against Green Bay, 8 receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns, was emblematic: when tasked with being the primary target, Pickens delivered. Those flashes prompted even owner/general manager Jerry Jones to publicly suggest Pickens could command a multi-million dollar extension when his contract situation comes into focus.

Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer marveled at Pickens’ joy and presence, making mention of how his personality lifts the meeting room and the practice field. “You guys can see how much he loves playing the game of football. It’s very evident,” Schottenheimer said, adding that Pickens’ energy often has teammates laughing in meetings.

While he may have been a crucial element in the Cowboys’ victory, the fact that he has some difficulties in controlling his emotions has cost him a lot of money.

George Pickens fined yet again

The NFL has fined George Pickens $17,389 for taunting Arizona cornerback Denzel Burke late in Week 9, according to Tom Pelissero. After a catch in the fourth quarter, Pickens held the ball toward Burke and appeared to mimic a first-down signal before eventually handing it to an official, a sequence that drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike flag during a game Dallas never realistically threatened to win.

This is Pickens’ third fine from this season. In Week 2, he was fined $14,491 for an unsportsmanlike/violent gesture because of a celebration with CeeDee Lamb and $11,593 after Week 7 for taunting Marshon Lattimore.

However, this fine drew a characteristically vivid reaction from Pickens, who posted on Instagram: ”U can always rely on ya Rich uncle from öff da ea$t $ide to bring thee vibes everytime he breeze 🌬️ by – $pittta 🥷🏾💈 VRU🖤”

While Pickens’ fire fuels big plays and can carry the offense in Lamb’s absence, the team will need to look into the behavioral setbacks. As it affects the overall atmosphere in the locker room. Till now, Pickens has paid $181,953 in fines. What are your thoughts on Pickens?