Few figures in the storied history of the Dallas Cowboys can match the impact and legacy of Emmitt Smith. Revered as an icon, Smith's opinions on the team continue to carry significant weight nearly two decades after his retirement. Now 55 years old, Smith has recently voiced sharp criticism of the Cowboys' management, particularly in their handling of key players such as Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Concerns Over Dak Prescott
Smith did not mince words when discussing the precarious position in which he believes the organization has placed star 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," stated Smith.
Handling Prescott's situation as he enters the final year of his contract, Smith emphasized the critical role of proper support for a 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 commented, reflecting a foundational principle in team management.
Lamb's Holdout and Offensive Dynamics
Smith's concerns extend beyond Prescott. The Cowboys are currently embroiled in a contractual dispute with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is holding out. The situation is emblematic of broader issues Smith sees within the team's infrastructure. Brandin Cooks, positioned as the No. 2 wideout, undoubtedly carries a larger offensive load in Lamb's absence, further intensifying the pressure on Prescott.
The departure of Tony Pollard via free agency has led the Cowboys to lean heavily on Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield, further complicating the dynamics of the offense. As Smith pointed out, these decisions have ramifications that extend well beyond individual positions.
Frustration with Longstanding Issues
For Smith, the current challenges reflect a deeper, more pervasive issue that has 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 lamented.
The frustration is palpable among the Cowboys' fanbase, a group that has not seen their team win a Super Bowl since the mid-1990s. Smith's commentary resonates with a collective yearning for change and success that has yet to materialize.
Call for Organizational Introspection
Addressing these longstanding issues, Smith made an earnest call for a comprehensive organizational review. "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 posed, urging for alignment and purpose within the team’s structure.
Smith believes that resolving this disconnect is critical to reversing the Cowboys' fortunes. "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," Smith concluded, highlighting the urgency needed to address these issues.
Smith's insights and calls for action serve as both a critique and a roadmap for addressing the shortcomings he perceives within the Cowboys' organization. As an influential voice in the world of football, his perspectives offer a valuable lens through which fans and stakeholders alike can scrutinize and evaluate the team's future moves.