Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has called on wide receiver George Pickens to improve his run blocking after the team’s recent struggles on the ground. Following a 23–13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on October 18, Schottenheimer emphasised that Pickens must take more responsibility in blocking safeties and cornerbacks to open running lanes for the Cowboys’ backs.
The Cowboys managed just 48 rushing yards in that game, their lowest total this season, with Javonte Williams scoring the only touchdown on the ground. Dallas’ inability to establish a running game forced quarterback Dak Prescott to throw 54 passes, a heavy reliance on the passing attack that Schottenheimer wants to address by involving Pickens more in run support.
“He needs to understand that he impacts us in the running game as well,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s got to do the same thing in the run game, picking up safeties and blocking corners, just like Javonte (Williams) does, picking up blitzes so he can catch balls.”
The comparison to Williams, who blocks blitzing defenders to protect Prescott during passing plays, highlights the coach’s expectation that Pickens’ contribution should extend beyond catching passes. Schottenheimer added, “That’s part of the team-first mindset, and GP does understand that. When he’s going, they’re going to play soft inside. When he’s not going then the safeties get pretty good runs at our backs. And that’s got to improve.”
Pickens has impressed as a receiver, recording 33 receptions for 428 yards and one touchdown through the first six games of the 2026 season, following a 2025 campaign with 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. However, Schottenheimer’s comments focus on an area where the wideout’s effort has drawn scrutiny.
The coach’s remarks also recalled a previous incident during Pickens’ time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Criticism followed a game against the Indianapolis Colts where Pickens was perceived to have avoided blocking on a run play involving Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. Pickens later explained his hesitance stemmed from concerns over injury risk, citing a severe injury suffered by Tank Dell during a blocking attempt.
Schottenheimer made it clear that improving Pickens’ blocking could help Dallas create more space for its ball carriers, pointing out that effective blocking of defensive backs can open additional running lanes.
After the loss to Green Bay, the Cowboys hold a 2–4 record heading into their next game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 26. Schottenheimer’s message to Pickens underscores the coach’s focus on shoring up the running game as Dallas looks to reverse its fortunes this season.
According to Yahoo Sports.