Emmitt Smith's Critical Eye on the Dallas Cowboys
Emmitt Smith, an iconic figure in Dallas Cowboys history, has never been one to mince words when it comes to his former team. At 55 years old and nearly two decades into retirement, the legendary running back continues to closely follow the franchise that he helped lead to greatness. In recent months, Smith has been vocal about his discontent with the current management's decisions and their handling of key players, particularly quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
"He is a very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys. He is a very, very valuable asset to Dak Prescott," Smith noted, referring to Lamb. "Without him on the football field, they're putting all of the pressure on Dak Prescott now. And that is unacceptable."
The Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads with several critical decisions on the horizon. Dak Prescott is in the final year of his contract, and without a reliable wide receiver core, his task becomes all the more daunting. Smith believes the organization should do more 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."
Adding to the team's woes, CeeDee Lamb is currently holding out due to contractual disputes, leaving a significant gap in the Cowboys' offensive lineup. Brandin Cooks, although a talented receiver, now shoulders the responsibility as the number two wideout. This shuffle of critical roles and the departure of Tony Pollard via free agency have placed even more pressure on the remaining players, particularly running back Ezekiel Elliott, who the team is heavily leaning on.
Smith’s frustrations extend beyond individual player issues, touching on the broader challenges the organization has faced over the years. "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 stated, reflecting the sentiments of many long-time fans.
Despite regular season successes and playoff appearances, the Cowboys have not clinched a Super Bowl victory in over two decades. This prolonged drought has left fans and former players like Smith demanding more consistent and strategic leadership. "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 calls for introspection within the franchise, suggesting that the alignment between the organizational goals and on-field performance is currently lacking. "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."
The disconnect Smith references is an issue that must be addressed to restore the Cowboys to their former glory. As the team looks ahead, the pressure is mounting not only on current players and coaches but also on the front office to make decisions that will set the stage for sustained success.
Emmitt Smith's comments resonate with a fan base hungry for a turnaround. As the Cowboys navigate through the final year of Prescott's contract and work to resolve the situation with Lamb, the organization's actions in the upcoming months will be crucial. Finding a balance between immediate results and long-term planning will be key to breaking the cycle of disappointment that has defined the last two decades for Dallas Cowboys fans.