ClutchPoints
The Dallas Cowboys entered Week 14 in a precarious position. Despite winning three-straight games, the team was still on the outside looking in at the postseason. Facing the Detroit Lions in a must-win matchup on Thursday Night Football, Dallas came up short. The 44-30 loss dropped the Cowboys to 6-6-1, seriously damaging their playoff odds.
The Cowboys have had a rollercoaster season so far. Each week seems to offer a new perspective on the team. And every time you think you have them figured out, they shapeshift into a puzzling new form.
Dallas scored impressive wins over the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs prior to Thursday night’s clash with Detroit. Those victories pushed the team over .500 for the first time this season. The Cowboys improved defensively after getting players back from injury and adding at the trade deadline. Dallas suddenly looked like legitimate contenders – the kind of team no one wants to face in the playoffs.
But first the Cowboys had to reach the playoffs. A slow start meant the team would essentially have to win out to have a realistic chance of making the postseason. But a win over the Lions on the road would certainly be a good start.
Unfortunately, Dallas couldn’t keep up with Detroit’s fast break offense. Dak Prescott is ready to move on to Week 15 and continue fighting. But Thursday night’s loss put the Cowboys’ playoff aspirations on life support. Now it’s time to play the blame game.
The George Pickens redemption story hit a snag on Thursday night as the wideout flopped in prime time. Despite putting together a monster debut with Dallas, Pickens came up small when the team needed him the most.
CeeDee Lamb suffered a concussion and was ruled out after leaping for a ball in the end zone and falling hard on his head. The veteran receiver was forced to exit the game early in the first half but he had already racked 121 yards on six catches. With Lamb out and the season on the line, fans expected Pickens to step up. He did not.
Richard Sherman called out Pickens after the loss. Like most observers, the former cornerback couldn’t understand Pickens’ disappearing act in such a big game. The wideout had averaged over 95 yards per game prior to Week 14. But against the Lions he had just five receptions for 37 scoreless yards.
Pickens actually agreed with Sherman. Well, not necessarily about being “uninterested in playing football” or giving a “half-ass” and “unacceptable” performance. But the Cowboys receiver acknowledged that he can’t just disappear in such an important matchup.
Interestingly, Pickens added that he was struggling with the Lions’ defensive scheme. The statement suggested that Detroit’s 21st-ranked passing defense proved an unsolvable problem for the fourth-year pro. Or that the Lions singled him out. Or erased him with Lamb out of the game.
But CeeDee was absolutely torching Detroit before his injury. And Pickens was doing nothing. Then, when...
