Brian Schottenheimer Makes Roster Decision on CeeDee Lamb as Pressure Mounts on Cowboys’ George Pickens
The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to the bright lights of scrutiny, and the 2025 season has already brought them a new share of headlines. With offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer at the helm of one of the league’s most explosive but polarizing offenses, roster decisions surrounding star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and emerging talent George Pickens have become a focal point for both fans and media.
As the Cowboys look to navigate an increasingly competitive NFC, Schottenheimer has made his stance clear: CeeDee Lamb remains the cornerstone of Dallas’ aerial attack. The decision to maintain Lamb’s central role has ripple effects not only on game planning but also on the development of George Pickens, who faces growing pressure to prove he can be more than a secondary option.
Lamb’s Role Secured
CeeDee Lamb has been the Cowboys’ offensive engine for several seasons. Since entering the league in 2020, Lamb has steadily ascended into elite company, earning Pro Bowl selections and becoming Dak Prescott’s most trusted target. His route-running, after-the-catch explosiveness, and ability to perform in clutch moments have cemented his place as one of the NFL’s premier receivers.
Rumors had circulated in recent weeks about whether the Cowboys might scale back Lamb’s snaps in certain packages to diversify the passing attack or manage his workload. Schottenheimer, however, put those rumors to rest. In a press conference earlier this week, he doubled down on Lamb’s centrality to the offense, stating:
“CeeDee is our guy. He’s the heartbeat of this offense, and everything we do in the passing game runs through him. We’re always looking for ways to get others involved, but make no mistake—he’s our number one.”
By reaffirming Lamb’s role, Schottenheimer sent a strong message of confidence both to his star receiver and to the locker room. In doing so, he also elevated the expectations for George Pickens, who has been touted as the future of the Cowboys’ receiving corps.
Pickens Under Pressure:
George Pickens, acquired by Dallas in a blockbuster trade, entered the season with sky-high expectations. Known for his highlight-reel catches and physical playing style, Pickens was supposed to give the Cowboys a legitimate second weapon opposite Lamb. But while his talent is undeniable, the transition has not been seamless.
Pickens has flashed brilliance in spurts—acrobatic sideline grabs, contested catches over defenders—but consistency has eluded him. Drops, miscommunications with Prescott, and struggles against double coverage have drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike.
For Pickens, the pressure comes not just from within the organization but from the broader narrative of being compared to Lamb. Many see him as the heir apparent, the young receiver who should eventually take over the mantle of WR1 when Lamb’s career begins to decline. But in a league that demands production now, patience is in short supply.
Schottenheimer acknowledged the expectations but remained firm in his support for Pickens:
“George is a special player. He’s still growing in this system, and we know what he’s capable of. The pressure comes with the territory when you play for the Dallas Cowboys, but we believe in him.”
Offensive Balance the Key:
Part of the challenge for Schottenheimer is balancing an offense that often leans heavily on its stars. When Lamb commands double teams and Pickens struggles to create separation, defenses can dictate the flow of games. Schottenheimer’s solution has been to emphasize balance—incorporating tight ends, running backs, and even gadget plays to keep defenses guessing.
Still, the success of the Cowboys’ offense will inevitably hinge on whether Pickens can rise to the occasion. If he develops into a consistent threat, defenses will be forced to pick their poison between him and Lamb, potentially unlocking the Cowboys’ full offensive potential. If not, the burden on Lamb will only intensify, raising questions about sustainability.
The Bigger Picture in Dallas:
The Cowboys’ season has already been defined by lofty expectations. With an elite defense led by Micah Parsons, the offense doesn’t need to be historically dominant—but it does need to be efficient and reliable in big games.
For Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ faithful, playoff success is the only metric that matters. Regular-season highlights mean little if the team falters in January. That reality places even more importance on Schottenheimer’s roster decisions and the performances of Lamb and Pickens.
If Lamb continues his Pro Bowl-level play and Pickens blossoms into the dynamic WR2 the Cowboys envisioned, Dallas could present one of the most dangerous offenses in the league. If not, the same old criticisms—that the Cowboys are too reliant on a single star—will resurface.
Final Thoughts:
Brian Schottenheimer’s decision to stand firm with CeeDee Lamb as the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ offense was both expected and necessary. Lamb has earned that trust through years of production and leadership. At the same time, the move places added pressure on George Pickens to prove that he can live up to his potential and provide the balance Dallas desperately needs.
The Cowboys’ season, and perhaps their playoff destiny, may ultimately hinge on whether Pickens thrives in this environment of expectation. For now, Schottenheimer has drawn the line: Lamb is the leader, and Pickens must rise to meet him.
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