Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) looks on before the game between the Cowboys and the Saints at AT&T Stadium.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
New York Giants cornerback Greg Newsome II made a bold statement about the team's secondary before their Week 1 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, but George Pickens was quick to offer a different perspective.
Newsome, who is expected to start alongside Deonte Banks when New York hosts Dallas on Sunday night, said the Giants have the “best cornerback room in the league” pointing to the group's depth and the ability of its members to perform at a very high level.
“I think we got the best cornerback room in the league when you talk about depth and just guys having the ability to play,” said Newsome. “I feel like all of us can be out there Week 1 and play at a very elite level.”
Pickens, who has previously gone up against Newsome in the AFC North, did not agree with the cornerback's assessment. The Cowboys wide receiver said Newsome should have that confidence, but made it clear that Dallas' receivers view the matchup differently.
“Yeah, that's definitely how he should feel. Now how we should feel, I'd definitely probably say a completely different story,” Pickens said. “But that's cool. That's cool that he definitely thinks that's cool.”
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Pickens also made his own claim, identifying himself and CeeDee Lamb as the NFL's best wide receiver duo. His argument is supported by their production from last season. The Cowboys pair combined for 168 receptions, 2,506 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
Individually, Pickens recorded 1,429 yards, while Lamb produced 1,077 yards despite playing only 14 games. Their combined yardage ranked second among NFL receiver duos, behind only Detroit Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams by 12 yards.
The matchup also carries some history between Pickens and Newsome. When Pickens was with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Newsome played for the Cleveland Browns, the two had several physical battles. During a 2024 game, they became entangled in the end zone while defending a Hail Mary attempt and had to be separated.
Dallas receivers also has recent success against the Giants. In Week 2 last season, Pickens caught five passes for 68 yards and a touchdown, while Lamb finished with nine receptions for 112 yards. The Cowboys won that contest 40-37 in overtime.