-
Todd Archer
LAS VEGAS — Dallas Cowboys wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were kept on the bench for the first series of Monday night’s 33-16 win against the Las Vegas Raiders in what was a coach’s decision.
Brian Schottenheimer informed the players of the disciplinary action earlier Monday.
«There were some things that were missed, so had a conversation with those guys and that was easy,» said Schottenheimer, who did not get into specifics of what was missed. «But you look at the energy those guys play with, they literally jump-started the offense when they got back in. They didn’t hang their heads, didn’t do any of that stuff. That’s why I love those guys, man.»
1 Related
Lamb returned on the first play of the Cowboys’ second series; Pickens was in for the second play of that series.
Lamb finished with five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, while Pickens tied a career high with nine catches and totaled 144 yards, along with a 37-yard TD from Dak Prescott.
Speaking to reporters after Monday’s game, Lamb would not discuss why he and Pickens were benched for the opening drive.
«I’m not going in depth on that,» Lamb said. «Honestly, I’m not. I’m sorry, I’m not.»
Pickens also did not elaborate on what happened.
Following his touchdown catch in the second quarter, Pickens drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his celebration. Schottenheimer said Pickens can play on the edge, but the goal is to not go over the edge.
«We share an arm around the shoulder a little bit,» Schottenheimer said. «But he’s a fun guy to coach, man. And the energy that you see on the field in the game is the way he approaches practice. And that’s what I love about him.»
Pickens leads the Cowboys in receiving with 58 catches for 908 yards and seven touchdowns. Lamb has 40 catches for 557 yards and two touchdowns but sat out three games because of a high ankle sprain.
«Two elite guys that complement each other, that build off of each other’s energy,» Prescott said. «One go makes a play, the other one wants to make a play. Tonight was fun. As I’ve always said, I’m just trying to get the ball out of my hands to these guys, be like a point guard and let them go do what they do best. Tonight was a good example of that.»
