Cowboys' 'tremendous weapon' helping in more ways than one

Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens, one could argue, has been Brian Schottenheimer's best offensive weapon (aside from Dak Prescott) through the first seven weeks of the season.

Already with 607 yards and six touchdowns from 36 receptions, Pickens has been Dallas' constant downfield threat, averaging 11.2 yards per target, while 31 of his 36 receptions have been for first downs.

Plus, we have seen Pickens get a lot of pass interference calls this season, and we are only seven games in, with his size and speed wreaking havoc for defenders, which is another weapon for Dak Prescott to use, because either long bombs will end up in completions or a big penalty in Dallas' favor.

And Schotty knows it, too.

“He's a tremendous weapon because of his size, and you don't realize how big and long he is,” Schottenheimer said. “He's a guy that if you're not combative with down the field, he's almost impossible to cover on those 50/50 throws. I think there's huge momentum swings for us when that happens.

"You throw a go ball down there and he catches it, you're excited, but if he doesn't catch it and you see a flag, you're just as excited because it's normally going to be a PI penalty.”

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Should Cowboys extend Pickens?

If it were my call, George would have a contract in front of him now, and you can make the case he's playing like a $30 million+ receiver right now.

Would Dallas want to pay that? Owner Jerry Jones stated the team could do the deal, but doing it and "wanting to do it" are two completely different things.

Either way, with how Pickens is playing, each week he is driving his price up, and the longer he continues at this level, the more he is going to be paid in the offseason. The Cowboys' offense is elite, and Pickens and his explosive plays are a big reason why.

Should Dallas look to extend him early? There's no reason not to.

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Having stepped up to the WR1 position with CeeDee Lamb absent, George picked up the slack