George Pickens faces brutal Skip Bayless criticism as Cowboys exit revives Mike Tomlin's controversial decision to move on
Criticism after the Dallas Cowboys’ 33-30 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals on November 1. The wide receiver was seen running toward the locker room while his teammates were still on the field, drawing attention from Skip Bayless. The sports commentator questioned Pickens’ reaction and brought up former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin’s decision to move on from him.
Skip Bayless criticizes George Pickens for leaving the field during Cowboys’ loss to CardinalsPickens’ reaction became a talking point after footage showed him sprinting toward the locker room at AT&T Stadium as Arizona prepared for its winning field goal. The timing of his exit caught attention, especially with Dallas still fighting to save the game.
Speaking on Gridiron alongside former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib, Bayless questioned both Pickens’ involvement in the Cowboys’ offense and his decision to leave the field.
“You can say it’s just on the players, but George Pickens — they don’t feature him. They threw him four balls all day. And you see, he just ran off the field. I think it was almost before the final field goal. He just ran up the tunnel as fast as he could.”
Bayless then suggested that Pickens could become a problem for Dallas before referring to Tomlin’s decision in Pittsburgh.
“He’s going to be a problem because…”
He continued by questioning why Pickens had left before the game was officially over.
“They said it was while the guy was lining up to kick the field goal. He just took off running. But whatever… It’s why Mike Tomlin said no to him.”
Pickens had a limited role in the passing game against Arizona, catching just two of his four targets for 48 yards. However, his contribution was not entirely insignificant. His 37-yard reception helped Dallas reach the end zone early in the fourth quarter, when Dak Prescott scored on a five-yard run to give the Cowboys a 24-10 lead.
Mike Tomlin’s previous comments about George Pickens resurface after Cowboys’ defeatBayless’ comments brought back questions about why the Steelers decided to trade Pickens to Dallas. Tomlin addressed the decision during his September 3 appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, where host Rich Eisen asked him why Pittsburgh had moved on from the receiver and why Dallas had not offered him a long-term contract.
Tomlin explained that the decision was not based only on Pickens’ ability to make plays. He wanted players who could also take on leadership duties as they moved closer to signing expensive second contracts.
“If they’re developing in the right ways, if they fit your long-range plans, then you do second contract business with them. It didn’t happen for us with George, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s not going to be a spectacular player.”
Tomlin also explained what he felt Pickens needed to improve.
“It’s not only play, it’s his development in other areas, intangible areas. I just don’t feel like that was in his natural wheelhouse. We felt better about DK’s abilities in those areas.”
His comments showed that Pittsburgh still recognised Pickens’ talent but had concerns about other parts of his development. Tomlin also pointed out that Dallas had not made a long-term commitment to the receiver.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have their own questions to answer about Pickens’ role. Team executive vice president Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Monday that the receiver had been dealing with hamstring trouble. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer discussed the team’s personnel choices, while Dak Prescott admitted he did not have an easy answer when asked how Dallas could involve Pickens more.
The numbers also show that Pickens has been productive this season. According to the Dallas Cowboys’ official statistics, he has recorded 39 catches for 533 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. His latest performance against Arizona, however, has given critics another reason to question his involvement and reaction.
Dallas is now 3-5, and the November 10 trade deadline is approaching. With Pickens playing on a one-year franchise tag, his future with the Cowboys could become another important talking point if the team considers making changes.
Skip Bayless criticizes George Pickens for leaving the field during Cowboys’ loss to CardinalsPickens’ reaction became a talking point after footage showed him sprinting toward the locker room at AT&T Stadium as Arizona prepared for its winning field goal. The timing of his exit caught attention, especially with Dallas still fighting to save the game.
Speaking on Gridiron alongside former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib, Bayless questioned both Pickens’ involvement in the Cowboys’ offense and his decision to leave the field.
“You can say it’s just on the players, but George Pickens — they don’t feature him. They threw him four balls all day. And you see, he just ran off the field. I think it was almost before the final field goal. He just ran up the tunnel as fast as he could.”
Bayless then suggested that Pickens could become a problem for Dallas before referring to Tomlin’s decision in Pittsburgh.
“He’s going to be a problem because…”
He continued by questioning why Pickens had left before the game was officially over.
“They said it was while the guy was lining up to kick the field goal. He just took off running. But whatever… It’s why Mike Tomlin said no to him.”
Pickens had a limited role in the passing game against Arizona, catching just two of his four targets for 48 yards. However, his contribution was not entirely insignificant. His 37-yard reception helped Dallas reach the end zone early in the fourth quarter, when Dak Prescott scored on a five-yard run to give the Cowboys a 24-10 lead.
Mike Tomlin’s previous comments about George Pickens resurface after Cowboys’ defeatBayless’ comments brought back questions about why the Steelers decided to trade Pickens to Dallas. Tomlin addressed the decision during his September 3 appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, where host Rich Eisen asked him why Pittsburgh had moved on from the receiver and why Dallas had not offered him a long-term contract.
Tomlin explained that the decision was not based only on Pickens’ ability to make plays. He wanted players who could also take on leadership duties as they moved closer to signing expensive second contracts.
“If they’re developing in the right ways, if they fit your long-range plans, then you do second contract business with them. It didn’t happen for us with George, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s not going to be a spectacular player.”
Tomlin also explained what he felt Pickens needed to improve.
“It’s not only play, it’s his development in other areas, intangible areas. I just don’t feel like that was in his natural wheelhouse. We felt better about DK’s abilities in those areas.”
His comments showed that Pittsburgh still recognised Pickens’ talent but had concerns about other parts of his development. Tomlin also pointed out that Dallas had not made a long-term commitment to the receiver.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have their own questions to answer about Pickens’ role. Team executive vice president Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Monday that the receiver had been dealing with hamstring trouble. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer discussed the team’s personnel choices, while Dak Prescott admitted he did not have an easy answer when asked how Dallas could involve Pickens more.
The numbers also show that Pickens has been productive this season. According to the Dallas Cowboys’ official statistics, he has recorded 39 catches for 533 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. His latest performance against Arizona, however, has given critics another reason to question his involvement and reaction.
Dallas is now 3-5, and the November 10 trade deadline is approaching. With Pickens playing on a one-year franchise tag, his future with the Cowboys could become another important talking point if the team considers making changes.
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