Jerry Jones makes feelings clear on George Pickens’ 'lack of effort' in Cowboys vs. Lions Week 14 clash

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones came to George Pickens' defense following criticism of his performance in the team's 44-30 loss to the Lions on Thursday. The wide receiver caught 5 of 9 targets for 37 yards, which was his lowest total since Week 1.

Jones addressed Pickens' situation on Tuesday.

"Just so I’m real clear about it, I don’t have any concern about the debate about what George Pickens did or didn’t do in that game," Jones said, via 105.3 The Fan. "He brings everything to the table to frankly live with what's going on (with) this type of criticism."

Todd Archer

@toddarcher

Jerry Jones on @1053thefan on George Pickens: “Just so I’m real clear about it I don’t have any concern about the debate about what George Pickens did or didn’t do in that game ... He brings everything to the table to frankly live w/ what's going on (w/) this type of criticism."

Some questions were raised about Pickens' efforts during the game but Jones backed him as well. He said that the wideout may have struggled; however, he didn't doubt his efforts.

Pickens cited Dallas wide receiver Ryan Flournoy's production as the reason behind his quiet performance.

"Flo (Flourney) stepped in," Pickens said on Friday, via NBC Sports. "Double me and then Flo had 115, so the game plan still kind of went how it went, just the overall game didn't go our way."

He took accountability for not performing up to his standards when the Cowboys needed him the most. Pickens became the team's WR1 after CeeDee Lamb suffered a concussion in the third quarter.

Cowboys HC on George Pickens' efforts vs. Lions

Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed that he had a discussion with George Pickens following Thursday's loss and doesn't have any issues with the wideout.

“We talked a little bit about it,” Schottenheimer said. "And again, he’s just, in his words, he goes, ‘Hey Shotty, I didn't play my best game.’ I think that, unfortunately, none of us played our best game. So that's real. But I don't worry about George and his love for football and playing this game."

Schottenheimer added that Pickens was the talk of the NFL world for multiple weeks. Pickens also had a heated online exchange with Richard Sherman about his efforts against the Lions.

He is in the final year of his rookie deal and set to hit free agency in 2026. Pickens has recorded 78 receptions for 1,179 yards and eight touchdowns and is likely headed towards a massive contract.

The Cowboys will host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.