Emmitt Smith's Growing Concerns Over Dallas Cowboys Management
Few figures in the storied history of the Dallas Cowboys shine as brightly as Emmitt Smith. As a revered icon, Smith’s perspective on the current state of the team carries significant weight. Now 55 years old and nearly two decades into his retirement, Smith has taken aim at the Cowboys' management, critiquing their handling of key players such as Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Central to Smith's criticism is the situation surrounding wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is currently holding out due to contractual issues. According to Smith, Lamb is a “very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys” and to quarterback Dak Prescott, emphasizing the immense pressure Prescott faces without Lamb on the field. “Without him on the football field, they're putting all of the pressure on Dak Prescott now. And that is unacceptable,” Smith asserted.
Dak Prescott’s contractual status further exacerbates the issue. Playing under the final year of his contract, Prescott finds himself in a precarious position, compounded by the absence of Lamb. Smith believes that the Cowboys' management needs to take swift action to support their franchise quarterback. “He should be in a position, as your franchise quarterback, he should be in a position to be successful. And right now you putting him behind the eight ball. And that is not right,” Smith said.
Adding to the Cowboys’ challenges, the team has seen significant roster changes. Brandin Cooks has stepped into the role of the No. 2 wideout, replacing some of the offensive firepower handled by Lamb. Moreover, the departure of running back Tony Pollard via free agency has left the Cowboys heavily reliant on Ezekiel Elliott’s performance. Yet, despite these potential strengths, the looming shadow of two decades without a Super Bowl victory continues to haunt the franchise.
Smith’s frustrations are not just about the current roster but stem from years of missed opportunities. “Over the last 20-some odd years, watching our team get to the playoffs time and time again, being told that we're going to do better. This is going to be a Super Bowl year for us. And we just get completely let down,” he lamented. His comments reflect the broader sentiment shared by many long-time fans of the team.
In Smith’s view, a systematic overhaul may be necessary to align the organization’s mission with its on-field ambitions. “We have to try, as an organization, we have to go and do a complete assessment in terms of the organization itself. What is our mission? And how does our mission align with the football team?” he questioned. This call for introspection suggests that Smith sees deeper issues that mere roster changes cannot address.
Smith’s observations culminate in a sense of urgency, highlighting what he perceives as a disconnect within the organization. “On the surface we would think everything is in alignment. But to me, I think there's a little disconnect there. And we need to resolve that fairly quickly because 20-some odd years, man, that's a long time,” he concluded.
As the Cowboys navigate these turbulent waters, the words of Emmitt Smith serve as both a critique and a call to action. In a franchise renowned for its history of excellence, there remains a pressing need to restore that legacy. Whether the current management will heed Smith’s warnings and take the necessary steps to recalibrate their strategies remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the iconic former running back’s voice will continue to echo in the halls of Cowboys loyalists and management alike.