Brian Schottenheimer wants more from George Pickens as a blocker. Dallas Cowboys fans have a few requests for the head coach, too.
The Cowboys’ offensive frustrations spilled into another debate Thursday after Schottenheimer addressed his receiver’s work in the running game. For supporters already questioning the play-calling, hearing Pickens singled out did little to improve the mood.
Brian Schottenheimer Calls for Better Blocking From George Pickens
Asked about Pickens’ effort and involvement, Schottenheimer pointed to the receiver’s responsibilities when someone else has the football.
“He needs to understand that he impacts us in the running game as well,”Schottenheimer said, according to Jon Machota.
The coach explained that Pickens must handle defensive backs as a blocker, just as running back Javonte Williams handles pass protection to help receivers get opportunities. He also said Pickens understands the team-first approach and indicated he did not believe a lack of targets was affecting the receiver’s effort.
That fuller explanation matters. Schottenheimer identified something he wanted corrected, although several fans heard a coach shifting responsibility for broader offensive problems.
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“Is he gonna throw everyone under the bus on his way back to the unemployment line?”one fan asked.
Another supporter took an even gloomier view. “Oh boy, calling him out? Ahhh yes, we are imploding. It’s all gonna burn,”the fan wrote.
Pickens’ work away from the ball has already drawn attention this season, including a September debate about whether hispresnap habits were tipping Dallas’ plays. Thursday’s comments brought the discussion directly to his blocking.
Cowboys Fans Turn the Criticism Back on Their Coach
Cowboys writer RJ Ochoa questioned Schottenheimer’s handling of accountability. “It’s always someone else’s fault for Brian. Except when he’s on a [expletive] or gotta-call-better-plays soliloquy,”Ochoa wrote.
Another fan objected to the subject coming up during a discussion of Pickens’ involvement.
“So Brian Schottenheimer coming out blaming everyone else but himself? This was your response about getting Pickens involved more? BLOCKING?”the fan wrote.
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The pushback continued with a sarcastic response about the running game. “So now GP is why we can’t run the ball,”another user added.
Blogging The Boys needed only two words. “Not great!”the outlet posted.
Through six games, Pickens ranks 19th inPFN’s WR Impact Metric with a 79.2 grade. He has caught 33 passes for 428 yards and one touchdown, giving Dallas a productive receiving option even as his blocking comes under scrutiny.
Those numbers help explain why supporters want to hear how Schottenheimer plans to get more from him.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.