© Kirby Lee
The Dallas Cowboys got a much-needed 33-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, but things didn’t start off too well.
As the Cowboys got the ball to begin the game and Dak Prescott and Co. took the field, we noticed that CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were not on the field.
The pair were standing on the sidelines with their helmets on, but didn’t enter the game. In fact, they missed the entire first drive as Dallas went three-and-out.
The duo returned on the second drive, in what was called a “coach’s decision” by the ESPN broadcast.
Well, according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer via The Athletic’s Jon Machota, when asked about CeeDee and George sitting the first drive, Schottenheimer said the pair “missed some things” and there was nothing more to it.
Hmm, ok.
More: Cowboys vs. Raiders final score, results: Cowboys rout Raiders in first game since Marshawn Kneeland’s passing
It was a message sent by Schottenheimer and one that was clearly received by Lamb and Pickens because once they hit the field, they shredded Las Vegas.
Pickens would go for 144 yards and a touchdown from nine catches, and Lamb would post 66 yards and a touchdown from his five catches.
We don’t know what the “things” were regarding Lamb and Pickens, but Schottenheimer clearly felt it was enough to sit his two best weapons in what was a huge game for the team after Marshawn Kneeland’s passing.
It didn’t appear to affect the pair as they had their way with the Raiders’ defense for the majority of the night, as the offense got its groove back at the perfect time.
Adam Schultz is a freelance writer at The Sporting News. An Australian journalist with years of experience covering the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL, Adam has interviewed several high-profile athletes in Australia for various sites and brings a unique view on the NFL.