Pickens Shines Despite Team's Defeat

WHO:

dallascowboys.com - George Pickens, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

WHAT:

dallascowboys.com - George Pickens' nine catches and 130 receiving yards were personal bests for the 2026 season.

dallascowboys.com - Pickens contributed a highlight-reel-worthy touchdown grab during the game.

dallascowboys.com - Pickens had only two catches in the previous game against the Houston Texans, but one was a 53-yard completion and the other a 22-yard gain.

dallascowboys.com - CeeDee Lamb was on the field for just 57% of the snaps against the Buccaneers due to his quad injury.

dallascowboys.com - Pickens stated, "When CeeDee went out, I just definitely was trying to do the best I could to keep us in the game."

dallascowboys.com - Pickens averaged six catches and 106.7 yards per game with five touchdowns during a four-game stretch in the previous season when Lamb was injured, which was his first season with Dallas.

dallascowboys.com - Pickens expressed optimism about Lamb's recovery, saying, "I feel like he'll be good. I feel like he'll bounce back next week."

dallascowboys.com - Pickens commented on the game, stating, "I feel like just certain plays went (the Buccaneers') way," referring to tipped passes that resulted in interceptions.

dallascowboys.com - Pickens emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, saying, "Stack on the wins... you kind of want to keep your head in it because anything can happen."

dallascowboys.com - The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a score of 24-16.

dallascowboys.com - George Pickens recorded nine catches for 130 receiving yards and one touchdown in the game.

Draft Sharks - Pickens' 13 targets led the team.

dallascowboys.com - CeeDee Lamb had two receptions for nine yards before being sidelined due to a quad injury.

dallascowboys.com - Pickens earned the highest grade among Cowboys starters from Pro Football Focus with an 85.2 mark.

dallascowboys.com - In the previous game against the Houston Texans, Lamb had 17 catches for 189 receiving yards.

dallascowboys.com - Pickens averaged six catches and 106.7 yards per game with five touchdowns during a four-game stretch in the previous season when Lamb was injured.

dallascowboys.com - Pickens totaled 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in the 2025 season.

WHERE:

dallascowboys.com - The game took place in a prime-time setting, specifically against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

WHY:

dallascowboys.com - The Cowboys struggled due to continued defensive woes, a sputtering offense, and poor special teams play.

HOW:

dallascowboys.com - Pickens was able to take advantage of the Buccaneers' defensive strategy, which did not include double-teaming him as the Texans had done previously.

George Pickens had a standout performance, recording nine catches for 130 receiving yards, both personal bests for the 2026 season, and he also made a highlight-reel touchdown grab during the game. Despite having only two catches in the previous matchup against the Houston Texans, one of those was a significant 53-yard completion, and he stepped up in CeeDee Lamb's absence, who was on the field for just 57% of the snaps due to a quad injury. Pickens expressed optimism about Lamb's recovery and emphasized the need for focus moving forward, stating, "Stack on the wins... you kind of want to keep your head in it because anything can happen."