Emmitt Smith Voices Concerns Over Cowboys' Management
Emmitt Smith, an iconic figure in Dallas Cowboys history, has never been one to shy away from expressing his thoughts about his beloved team. Now 55 years old and nearly 20 years into retirement, Smith has recently voiced strong opinions regarding the Cowboys' management and their handling of key players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Smith's criticism seems to stem from a deep-rooted frustration with the franchise's strategy, particularly as it relates to Prescott's current contractual situation and Lamb's holdout due to ongoing contractual issues. "He is a very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys. He is a very, very valuable asset to Dak Prescott," Smith stated emphatically. "Without him on the football field, they're putting all of the pressure on Dak Prescott now. And that is unacceptable."
The pressures facing Prescott, who is playing under the final year of his contract, are compounded by the fact that the Cowboys have let running back Tony Pollard go via free agency and are now leaning heavily on Ezekiel Elliott. Smith elaborated on this point, expressing his concern for Prescott's development and performance under these conditions. "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."
Beyond individual player issues, Smith's critique extends to the broader organizational strategy of the Cowboys. "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, capturing the essence of the fans' frustrations over two decades without a Super Bowl win.
Smith's call for an overhaul appears rooted in a belief that systemic issues have hindered the franchise's success. "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, pointing out what he perceives as a disconnect between the team's goals and their execution on the field. "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."
This disconnect, as evaluated by Smith, places added scrutiny on the Cowboys' current roster changes. Brandin Cooks has emerged as the team's No. 2 wideout amid these shifts, while Lamb remains a holdout regarding his contract. These developments, coupled with the release of Pollard, place the onus squarely on Elliott and Prescott to carry the team's offensive load.
As the Cowboys navigate these tumultuous waters, Smith's penetrating analysis offers a roadmap for potential improvement. His comments underscore the urgency of addressing both player management and organizational alignment to reverse the Cowboys' fortunes. With each passing season, the storied franchise finds itself further removed from its last Super Bowl victory, and for fans and alumni alike, the desire for a return to glory has never been stronger.
In a sports landscape where loyalty and legacy often clash with the pragmatic realities of player contracts and team management, Smith's insights resonate deeply. His message is clear: the Dallas Cowboys must reassess and realign their strategy to once again become champions. Emmitt Smith's voice, filled with passion and a deep understanding of the game, echoes the sentiments of Cowboys fans everywhere, yearning for a return to the top.