George Pickens reveals how CeeDee Lamb helped unlock a different side of Cowboys’ offense

George Pickens believes his partnership with CeeDee Lamb has given both Dallas Cowboys receivers the freedom they were missing earlier in their careers.

Pickens, who joined the Cowboys after beginning his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, opened up about his relationship with Lamb and explained how the two receivers have already helped each other become more creative on the field.

“I feel like he brought out in me more creativity, more freedom. And then I feel like vice versa, honestly,” Pickens said per Jon Machota of The Athletic. “I feel like before he always felt pressure, he always felt like he was under some constraints. Me too (with) the Steelers. Just definitely us having each other’s back.” That perspective explains why the Cowboys believe their receiving duo can be so dangerous.

Pickens knows what pressure feels like

Pickens entered the NFL with tremendous physical talent and quickly became one of Dallas’s biggest big-play threats. His ability to win contested catches and stretch defenses vertically made him a dangerous target. 

But being one of the Cowboys’ primary weapons also meant opposing defenses could focus heavily on him. His move to Dallas changes that equation.

With Lamb already established as one of the NFL’s premier receivers, Pickens no longer has to feel like every passing opportunity depends on him. If defenses give him single coverage, he can attack it. If they devote additional attention to him, Lamb can benefit. That same dynamic works in reverse.

Lamb finally has another dangerous weapon

Lamb has spent years dealing with the pressure that comes with being Dallas’ primary receiving weapon. Defenses routinely know where Dak Prescott wants to go when the Cowboys need a big play, and Lamb has often been asked to deliver regardless of the coverage. Pickens believes that pressure affected Lamb, too.

Now, the Cowboys can put two explosive receivers on the field and force defenses to make difficult decisions.

Their skill sets also complement each other. Lamb’s precise route running and ability to create separation can punish defenses underneath and in the intermediate areas, while Pickens brings size, physicality, and the ability to make explosive plays downfield.

Lamb and Pickens’ chemistry could change Dallas’ offense

The encouraging part for Cowboys fans is that Pickens is not describing Lamb as competition. He is describing him as a teammate who makes his own game better.

Their work together during the offseason and training camp has already provided glimpses of that relationship. Whether it is Lamb creating separation or Pickens using his physical ability to win downfield, each receiver gives Prescott another answer when defenses try to take away the Cowboys’ passing game.

The two receivers also appear to understand that their individual success can benefit the other. That could become one of Dallas’ biggest offensive advantages.

Instead of Lamb carrying the burden of being the Cowboys’ answer on every important passing down, Pickens can take some of that responsibility. At the same time, Lamb can exploit the opportunities created when defenses have to respect Pickens’ ability to make explosive plays.

Pickens’ comments ultimately reveal why this partnership could be about more than adding another talented receiver. Both players believe they can play with greater freedom because they have someone else who can make a play.