Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is in no way underestimating his challenge this weekend.
The Commanders go on the road again to face a second NFC East rival when they travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys. Dallas lost their opener on the road to division rival the New York Giants (28-20), while the Commanders also lost on the road in Philadelphia (24-22).
Jones was asked whether the Cowboys’ larger, physical receivers might require a bigger corner in coverage. “I would say CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, having faced them last year, to be honest, it doesn’t really matter what size of players are out there. They’ve shown that they’ve dominated defensive backs in this league, regardless of the size. So, that’s not a one-man
job, so to speak, in terms of how we want to handle that.”
fully engaged George Pickens is a nightmare pic.twitter.com/Q5dnhrwaBq
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 26, 2026
Pickens collected 93 receptions and Lamb (75), though he missed three games in 2025. Jones made it clear the Commanders certainly aren’t going to simply line up and play man-to-man all game against that special receiving duo.
“I think that’s a team effort, a collective effort; that’s the disguises, the back end, that’s the linebackers, that’s the rush. Everything ties in well with trying to minimize the impact that CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have on a game.”
Both receivers not only catch a lot of balls; they also accumulate yards. Pickens averaged 15.4 yards per reception, and Lamb was close behind, averaging 14.4 yards per reception himself. "Those are two special guys; they do two different things. They’re lining up in various places. GP is very dominant and dynamic with his yards after the catch. CeeDee can make those toe-tapping catches, and he makes those amazing, phenomenal downfield catches as well.”
Jones then reminded everyone that the trigger man for the Cowboys is Dak Prescott and, therefore, the Cowboys’ offense is explosive. He summed up his thoughts, repeating that it will take a team effort, a collective effort.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: How will Commanders stop Cowboys WRs CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens?
