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Regarding CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens being benched to start the game in Las Vegas, part of me is happy that head coach Brian Schottenheimer disciplined two players, no matter their star power. But on the other hand, it's disappointing that two star players even needed discipline, especially coming off a difficult week. What are your thoughts on the situation? – Richard Nelson/Austin, TX
Mickey: Not a national emergency and would say both made up for whatever lapse in judgment that might have occurred, the two guys combining for 14 catches, 210 yards receiving and two touchdowns. They aren't the first Cowboys committing minor digressions and won't be the last. Can remember Jimmy Johnson leaving Michael Irvin behind when his star receiver was late for the charter flight, Michael having to buy his own one-way commercial ticket to reach Detroit. Jimmy's punishment was benching his star receiver for the first possession of the game, and at the time offensive coordinator Norv Turner asked Jimmy if the Cowboys kicked off did that constitute the first possession. Nah, didn't, but nice try Norv. But despite whatever those two did, you should be applauding Schottenheimer for not bending the rules, certainly making an impression on the rest of the players.
Tommy: I commend Brian Schottenheimer for not swaying from his stance on discipline regardless of their stature or ability to help the offense. For as much as he's talked about building culture, if you let your best players get away with things others will notice and the culture can get worse from there. That was not the case here, and it's a credit to Schottenheimer for holding true. With no details on what actually occurred to cause it, it's difficult to know why it occured, but yes, it's disappointing that this happens to two of your best players. That said, it certainly can serve as a learning moment and maybe even a wake up call of sorts, and I think both Lamb and Pickens handled the situation well. As did Schottenheimer, who came over to the bench and gave both Pickens and Lamb a hug.
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