If you were trying to script the perfect wide receiver duo for Dallas, it would probably look a lot like this.
After diving into some fantastic context from Ray G Que, the numbers — and the heat maps — tell the real story of why CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens complement each other almost perfectly.
Start with usage.
CeeDee Lamb thrives over the middle — slants, in-breakers, crossers. George Pickens thrives on the outside — go routes, out routes, hitches.
According to Tru Media:
• Pickens’ top three most-run routes were Outs (88), Hitches (53), and Goes (52) — with a massive 352 of his 900 total yards coming on go routes alone.
• Meanwhile, CeeDee’s top three were Hitches (85), Outs (79), and Crossers (58) — a much more diverse portfolio.
Both receivers share high-volume hitches and outs — which almost every receiver does — but here’s the real kicker: Pickens’ most successful route is the Go. CeeDee’s most successful complementary routes are screens and crossers — two things Pickens wasn’t even asked to do in Pittsburgh.
Ceedee's route percentage athlon
It’s not just about variety. It’s about separation of strengths.
Now layer in Dak Prescott.
Over the last three seasons, Dak’s top three most-attempted routes are Hitches, Outs, and Gos.
• Not surprising for hitches and outs — that’s NFL standard.
• But the difference? Dak’s Go route production is elite — #1 in yards, #2 in attempts, and #3 in accuracy across the entire NFL the last two years.
And where does George Pickens dominate? Go routes.
This isn’t overlapping skillsets. This is two stars who operate in completely different lanes, tied together by a quarterback whose skill set amplifies them both.
You literally could not have scripted a better marriage.