Early Season Jitters have surfaced for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys as the 2025 NFL season gets underway. Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s ambiguous comments regarding running back Jaylen Warren, coupled with wide receiver George Pickens’ disappointing debut for the Cowboys, have ignited concerns about team performance and player discipline. These issues, arising during the opening week, highlight potential vulnerabilities that both franchises must address to achieve their season goals.
Steelers’ Offensive Uncertainty
Cryptic Warren Update
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing questions regarding the role of running back Jaylen Warren after offensive coordinator Arthur Smith delivered a perplexing update. According to TribLIVE.com’s report on Friday, September 5, 2025, Smith’s comments were described as “cloudy” and “cryptic,” creating an “interesting disconnect to track.” This is especially noteworthy considering Warren’s recent two-year contract extension with the team. The nature of Smith’s update has left observers questioning Warren’s potential usage and the overall direction of the Steelers’ offensive strategy.
Adding to the Steelers’ early-season challenges is an injury to safety DeShon Elliott, as noted by CBSSports.com. These factors combined contribute to an atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding the team as they navigate the initial stages of the 2025 season, after their opener against the New York Jets on Sunday, September 7.
Cowboys’ Pickens Problem
A Disappointing Debut
George Pickens’ debut with the Dallas Cowboys in their Thursday, September 4, 2025, game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field was far from the impactful performance the team anticipated. Despite being a “big-name offseason addition,” as highlighted by Newsweek, Pickens managed only three receptions for 30 yards on four targets in the Cowboys’ 24-20 loss. His performance was further marred by costly penalties.
Discipline Concerns Resurface
Pickens’ lack of composure and penchant for penalties, factors that contributed to his trade from the Steelers, resurfaced during the game against the Eagles. StatMuse data indicates that Pickens drew a pass interference penalty and, more significantly, an unnecessary roughness penalty for a “blatant clothesline” on Eagles safety Reed Blankenship. This penalty, according to Sky Sports’ analysis, stalled a crucial Eagles drive that ended in a Miles Sanders fumble, directly impacting the game’s momentum.
Blitz Sports Media reports that Pickens’ “history of penalties surfaced on opening night,” echoing concerns from his time with the Steelers. Over three seasons in Pittsburgh, Pickens accumulated 15 penalties for 140 yards and was even ejected from a game, according to Still Curtain. The Cowboys’ coaching staff will undoubtedly review the game film to identify areas for improvement and address Pickens’ disciplinary issues to prevent an “early-season rut,” as noted by ClutchPoints.
Potential for Redemption
Despite the rocky start, there is optimism that Pickens can still integrate effectively into the Cowboys’ air attack. As reported by various outlets, the Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants presents a potential opportunity for a “breakout performance.” The Cowboys are banking on Pickens harnessing his talent and minimizing penalties to become the impactful receiver they envisioned when they acquired him.
Conclusion
The early season concerns surrounding Jaylen Warren’s role with the Steelers and George Pickens’ discipline with the Cowboys present immediate challenges for both teams. Arthur Smith’s cryptic comments add uncertainty to the Steelers’ offensive plans, while Pickens’ penalty issues threaten to undermine the Cowboys’ offensive potential. Addressing these issues promptly will be crucial for both franchises to achieve their goals as the 2025 NFL season progresses.
