The Dallas Cowboys’ offense has been a source of frustration for fans, particularly in high-stakes moments like their January 2024 playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers. A key issue? The lack of consistent motion in their play-calling, something fans have been begging for years. Now, new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer seems to be addressing this flaw, and wide receiver George Pickens just dropped some tantalizing details during mandatory minicamp that will have Cowboys Nation buzzing.
When asked what stood out most about Schottenheimer’s approach in his first practices with the team, Pickens didn’t hold back. “A lot of motions, a lot of things that give you an indicator on what the defense is doing before you say hike,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “A lot of coaches don’t do that.” For a fanbase that’s been pleading for more pre-snap movement, this is the kind of talk that gets pulses racing.
Under previous play-callers Kellen Moore and Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys showed flashes of motion but never fully committed. Fans watched in agony as the offense became painfully static at critical times, most notably in that playoff meltdown against Green Bay. Motion—whether pre-snap to diagnose defenses or at the snap to create leverage—was often an afterthought, leaving Dallas predictable and easier to defend.
Pickens’ comments suggest Schottenheimer is leaning into motion to at least help identify coverages, like whether the defense is in man or zone. This is a step forward, but it’s worth noting that simply using motion doesn’t guarantee success. The best play-callers, like Kansas City’s Andy Reid, use motion not just for diagnosis but to manipulate defenses and create mismatches for receivers. If Schottenheimer’s motion is limited to coverage ID, it’s a modest improvement rather than a game-changer. Still, it’s something, and for a team that’s been stuck in neutral, it’s a reason to pay attention.
In the meantime, Pickens is building chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott and diving into the new playbook. “It’s getting better and better every time—learning the plays the more I’m here, and then getting the minutiae of how he wants to run his plays,” Pickens said of his growing connection with Prescott. “We’re connecting for sure.” This bond will be crucial as the Cowboys aim to turn their offense into a dynamic, unpredictable force in 2025.
For now, Schottenheimer’s emphasis on motion is a glimmer of hope for a fanbase desperate for change. Whether it’s a full overhaul or just a small tweak, Pickens’ comments have lit a spark. Cowboys fans, get ready—this could be the start of something big.