Emmitt Smith, an iconic figure in the annals of Dallas Cowboys history, has not shied away from voicing his concerns about the current state of the team. Now 55 and nearly two decades removed from his storied NFL career, Smith speaks from a place of deep passion and intimate knowledge of the game and the franchise that defined much of his professional life.
Concerns Over Team Management
Smith recently made headlines with his pointed criticisms of the Cowboys' management, particularly in relation to their handling of star wideout CeeDee Lamb and franchise quarterback Dak Prescott. “He is a very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys. He is a very, very valuable asset to Dak Prescott. Without him on the football field, they're putting all of the pressure on Dak Prescott now. And that is unacceptable,” Smith asserted, highlighting Lamb's ongoing contractual issues which have led him to hold out. This move has placed undue strain on Prescott, who is currently playing under the final year of his contract.
The Quarterback Conundrum
Smith's frustration is palpable. He emphasized the critical role Prescott plays for the Cowboys: "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." The implications of Prescott's contract situation are significant, casting a shadow over the team’s ambitions for the season.
Offensive Shifts
Adding to the complexity is the recent decision to let Tony Pollard go via free agency, a move that has further altered the Cowboys' offensive dynamics. In Pollard’s absence, the team has leaned heavily on running back Ezekiel Elliott, whose performance and health have been subjects of intense scrutiny. Meanwhile, the acquisition of Brandin Cooks as the Cowboys' No. 2 wideout seeks to mitigate some of these challenges on the offensive front.
The Championship Drought
Yet, the heart of Smith’s critique seems to lie in the broader organizational issues that have plagued the Cowboys for over two decades. Despite numerous playoff appearances, the team has failed to clinch a Super Bowl title since the late 20th century. “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,” Smith lamented, echoing the sentiments of a fanbase starved for championship glory.
Call for Organizational Assessment
Smith calls for a deep introspection within the Cowboys' ranks. "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. It’s a call to action not just for better management and player decisions but for a realignment of the organization's core values and strategies.
Smith’s words resonate with urgency and a hint of desperation, reflective of years spent watching a team with unfulfilled potential. "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 this season, these pointed criticisms from one of their all-time greats will undoubtedly keep the spotlight on team management, player relations, and organizational strategy. Whether they will heed the wisdom of a legend or continue down a path of underachievement remains to be seen.