Uneasiness settled in among Dallas Cowboys fans when CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens weren't on the field for the Cowboys' opening possession against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Lamb and Pickens returned for the second drive, but the Monday Night Football broadcast revealed the star wide receiver duo was benched for disciplinary reasons. That was later described as "missing some things", which led to rampant speculation. Did they miss a team meeting or break curfew? Were they late to practice?
Brian Schottenheimer was asked about it after Dallas' 33-16 win, and while he set the record straight in one regard, he didn't reveal the full details.
"Made a coach's decision. There were some things that were missed," Schotteheimer said.
Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer didn't reveal much about why he benched CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens
When pushed for more information, Schottenheimer said, "Couple things missed."
There is no need for Schottenheimer to reveal any more than he did. It is clear that Lamb and Pickens missed or were tardy for something important, and they were disciplined accordingly.
What good does it do to air the dirty laundry to the media? The Cowboys have a big enough spotlight on them as it is.
Granted, it would be a much bigger talking point had Dallas lost, and if Lamb and Pickens had mentally checked out afterwards. They completely dominated the game from the moment they checked back in, combining to catch 14 passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
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The discipline and subsequent damage control from Schottenheimer is a testament to the culture he has worked hard to build since he was hired as head coach.
The opening three-and-out drew plenty of backlash from Cowboys fans, but we’re not inclined to ridicule Schottenheimer for making a real, intentional effort to foster the kind of culture many claim Dallas sorely lacks.
And if you're worried about potential friction between Schottenheimer and his two stud receivers, he went up to Lamb and Pickens after Lamb's first-quarter touchdown and gave them a hug. They responded with a smile and reciprocated the embrace, so all is well.
Schottenheimer is in complete control of this thing. Imagine the outrage if it were learned he let Pickens and Lamb off the hook? The Cowboys are in good hands.