Many fans debated throughout the offseason about how long it might take for new Dallas Cowboys addition George Pickens to show the issues that pushed him out of Pittsburgh. It turns out the answer wasn't even a full game before Pickens was back to familiar antics that would help contribute to Thursday's 24-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The first sign of things unraveling was a minor note that didn't earn a penalty or catch the attention of many fans, but was a clear sign that Pickens was already on edge despite the solid start. The frustrated Cowboys WR attempted to grab Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell's leg after a failed pass in the second quarter, but seemingly managed to restrain himself.
The situation didn't escalate, and there was no further issue, but it was a sign of the issues that were to come and would later appear in a key spot for Dallas.
Cowboys WR George Pickens Already Showing Concerning Signs in Week 1
Pickens is an incredibly emotional player and has a history of extreme reactions. This was the case later in the game with the Cowboys driving for what appeared to be a go-ahead score. Eagles safety Reed Blankenship was attempting to rush to the ball, and Pickens turned a block into an excuse to grab the defender by the facemask and toss him to the ground. It was a dumb penalty that perfectly illustrates why Pickens is in Dallas.
The Pittsburgh Steelers grew tired of Pickens' antics and inability to count on the receiver when it mattered most. His talent is undeniable, but his finding himself in trouble has been present dating back to his days at Georgia. Pickens would get ejected for fighting Georgie Tech defensive back Tre Swilling, missing the first half of a key game because of it.
Pittsburgh was unable to change this and eventually threw up its hands, jettisoning Pickens while bringing in DK Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers in the same offseason. Opting to add two players who inspire hot takes in their own right but being unwilling to stick with Pickens moving forward was telling. Week 1 gave the Cowboys a taste of why the Steelers said goodbye.
If Pickens is unable to keep it together for one week, what is this going to look like by the en,d of the season? CeeDee Lamb is going to be Dak Prescott's primary target with Pickens being the chachange-of-pacenge of pace secondary option. Whether or not this is going to be adequate to the receiver's expectations is up for debate.
Pickens is off to a rocky start with a self-imposed penalty helping set the stage for a Dallas defeat. His lack of discipline would've been easily ignored had he had a big game, but 30 yards on three catches isn't anything to write home about.
No question, the Cowboys are in for a rollercoaster of a season with a polarizing WR who remains incredibly unpredictable despite a fresh start.