In the annals of Dallas Cowboys history, few names resonate as powerfully as Emmitt Smith. A Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl champion, Smith has not just left his mark on the field but continues to influence the franchise with his candid commentary. Recently, Smith has been vocal about his concerns over the Cowboys' management, particularly in their handling of key players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Smith's Critique of Cowboys Management
Emmitt Smith is now 55 years old and has been retired for nearly two decades, but his passion for the Cowboys remains undiminished. Smith recently voiced strong opinions on the franchise's current predicaments, especially the contractual issues surrounding CeeDee Lamb and the tenuous position of 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 stated, highlighting Lamb's importance to the team.
CeeDee Lamb, regarded as one of the top wideouts in the league, is currently holding out due to contractual disputes. His absence not only destabilizes the offensive unit but also puts undue pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott, who is already playing under the final year of his contract.
The Pressure on Prescott
Prescott's contractual situation is precarious. Playing in the last year of his deal, the quarterback finds himself in a high-stakes situation where performance and future security are interlinked. Smith passionately supports Prescott, arguing that the organization needs to set him up for success.
"He should be in a position, as your franchise quarterback, he should be in a position to be successful. And right now you're putting him behind the eight ball. And that is not right," emphasized Smith.
The departure of Tony Pollard via free agency has only added to the offensive challenges. Currently, the Cowboys are leaning heavily on running back Ezekiel Elliott, whose workload may increase significantly in Pollard's absence. Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks has stepped up as the No. 2 wideout, filling gaps left in the receiving corps. However, Smith's critique underscores a broader problem within the organization: consistency.
Consistency Issues and Organizational Alignment
The Cowboys have not clinched a Super Bowl title in over two decades, much to the frustration of their loyal fan base and former players. Smith's observations go beyond just on-field performance, touching on deeper organizational concerns.
"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," noted Smith, capturing the frustration felt by many.
He went on to suggest a more thorough introspective approach 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?"
According to Smith, there appears to be a disconnect that needs immediate resolution. "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’s pointed remarks come at a critical juncture for the Cowboys. As Prescott navigates the final year of his deal and Lamb wrestles with contractual strife, the team faces significant internal and external pressures. Whether the franchise can realign its mission and performance remains to be seen, but Smith's insights add a valuable perspective to the ongoing dialogue surrounding America's Team.