The Dallas Cowboys’ Week 1 loss to the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles was a strange game for several reasons, from a weather delay to a fight breaking out in the opening seconds.
But once the ball was in play, another detail stood out — the apparent lack of effort from certain players. Now, a former NFL quarterback is calling out one star for his performance, adding to a growing internal crisis for the franchise.
Why Is a Former NFL QB Calling Out George Pickens’s Effort?
The Cowboys spent the offseason searching for a second wide receiver to take pressure off superstar CeeDee Lamb. Their solution was a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers for George Pickens, who was reportedly unhappy with his former team.
Dallas sent a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick. While Pickens’s top-tier talent is well-established, questions about his effort have followed him throughout his career.
Dan Orlovsky highlighted these concerns on “ESPN’s Get Up,” pointing out that Pickens’s effort fell short against Philadelphia. On plays where he was not the primary target or was asked to block, his performance was below what is expected from a professional player. This situation creates a significant concern for Dallas if the issue persists.
“Not enough effort and not enough commitment to the team. For me, it’s do you want to be a part of this team and the future of this organization or not? And there is — to Hawk’s point — moments when you go, I need more from you. You got [sic] to block the safety there. Safety runs by you. He gets in on the play,” Orlovsky said.
What Does This Mean for the Cowboys’ Offense?
In his debut, Pickens had a quiet game, recording just three catches for 30 yards. It will likely take a few weeks for him to build chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott, who relied heavily on Lamb during the loss. However, Lamb also had key drops that proved costly for the Cowboys.
This lack of production will not help Pickens if his effort does not improve. The issue has followed him since his time in Pittsburgh and presents a stark contrast to the aggressive, fiery personality he displays at other times. When he is not the primary target, it often appears as if there is a clear lack of interest in being on the field.
“You’re a tremendously talented young man. That’s got a massive opportunity this season. But I can’t have you jogging in run concepts or jogging in pass concepts if the ball is not coming your way. You’re too talented and you’re too important to your team,” Orlovsky added.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys face the New York Giants in Week 2 for their home opener. While the Giants’ defense is strong, their offense struggled in its opening game against Washington.
The Dallas offense, meanwhile, looked effective running the ball in the red zone. This matchup could be an important opportunity for Pickens to step up and demonstrate his commitment to the team.