Emmitt Smith, a legend in the annals of Dallas Cowboys history, has once again voiced his concerns about the team’s current trajectory. At 55 years old, Smith remains as passionate about his former team as he was during his playing days. Despite being retired for nearly two decades, his commentary on the Cowboys’ recent decisions carries weight, especially regarding the treatment of core players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Emmitt Smith's Critique
Smith hasn’t shied away from criticizing the Cowboys' management. Most recently, he has taken issue with how they have handled the situations of quarterback Dak Prescott and wideout CeeDee Lamb. Smith eloquently remarked, "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." His statement highlights the significance of Lamb’s presence on the team.
CeeDee Lamb is currently in the midst of a contractual holdout, a situation that has undoubtedly put a strain on the Cowboys' offensive strategy. This absence has forced the team to lean heavily on other talents, notably Brandin Cooks, who now serves as the No. 2 wideout. Smith's sentiment is clear: the absence of a key player like Lamb disproportionally increases the pressure on Prescott.
Smith continued his critique by emphasizing the importance of Prescott's role: "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." Prescott, entering the final year of his contract, faces immense expectations. Smith’s comments suggest a need for management to better support their franchise quarterback to position him for success.
Frustration with Overall Management
The legendary running back’s criticism does not stop with individual player management. He reflects on the broader struggles that have plagued the Cowboys for over two decades. "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 remarked. His frustration is palpable, echoing the sentiments of an entire fanbase disillusioned by perennial postseason disappointments.
Smith has called for a comprehensive evaluation within the organization. "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?" Smith’s plea is for a deeper introspection, urging the Cowboys to ensure that their overarching goals are in sync with their on-field efforts.
Despite intermittent success in reaching the playoffs, the Cowboys have not added to their illustrious Super Bowl tally in over two decades. Smith believes the lack of alignment within the organization is a hindrance to achieving ultimate success. "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."
Current Team Dynamics
The present-day Cowboys are amidst a transition period. The departure of Tony Pollard through free agency has elevated the importance of Ezekiel Elliott in the running game. With Prescott playing under the final year of his contract, the stakes are higher than ever. Success or failure this season could significantly influence the future dynamics of the team.
Smith’s insights suggest that the Cowboys face not just an on-field battle, but a struggle within their organizational ethos. As one of the most iconic figures in Cowboys’ history, his words resonate deeply with fans and analysts alike. Whether or not the Cowboys' management takes these critiques to heart remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the team’s path forward will be closely scrutinized by all invested in its legacy.