Emmitt Smith, a revered figure in Dallas Cowboys lore, has never been one to hold back his opinions, especially when it comes to the team he helped lead to three Super Bowl victories. Now 55 years old and nearly two decades into retirement, Smith is voicing his concerns about the current state of the Cowboys, particularly in relation to the management of key players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Management Criticisms
Smith has been openly critical of the Cowboys' front office, accusing them of mishandling situations involving crucial players. "He is a very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys. He is a very, very valuable asset to Dak Prescott," Smith remarked about Lamb. "Without him on the football field, they're putting all of the pressure on Dak Prescott now. And that is unacceptable."
In Smith's eyes, Prescott should be placed in a position where he can succeed, not be burdened with additional challenges. "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 added.
Player Holdouts
The situation surrounding CeeDee Lamb has become particularly contentious. The wideout is currently holding out due to contractual disputes, a move that could significantly impact the Cowboys' offensive strategies. Adding to the complexity, Dak Prescott is in the final year of his contract, further intensifying the pressure on both the player and the team.
Brandin Cooks, meanwhile, has emerged as the Cowboys' No. 2 wide receiver, but the departure of running back Tony Pollard via free agency means the team will rely heavily on veteran Ezekiel Elliott. This reliance on Elliott, while understandable, also raises questions about the team's depth and versatility.
Organizational Evaluation
Smith's frustrations extend beyond individual players, critiquing the team's overarching organizational strategy. "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 lamented.
The former running back emphasized the need for a comprehensive assessment within the Cowboys' franchise, suggesting that systemic issues may be at play. "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 questioned.
Smith's comments highlight a perceived disconnect between the organization's goals and its 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," Smith pointed out.
Decades of Disappointment
The Cowboys' last Super Bowl victory was over two decades ago, a drought that weighs heavily on fans and former players alike. Year after year, the hopes of a championship run are dashed, leading to mounting dissatisfaction. Smith’s remarks are not just a critique of the current regime but a broader commentary on a culture that has struggled to reclaim its former glory.
Moving forward, the Cowboys face an array of critical decisions that will shape the team's future. Addressing the contractual issues with key players like Lamb and managing Prescott's final contract year are immediate priorities. However, as Smith suggests, the solutions may need to be more profound, requiring a realignment of the team’s mission and strategies to foster sustainable success.
Only time will tell if the Cowboys can heed the advice of one of their greatest legends and make the necessary adjustments to restore the franchise to its former heights. For now, the discontent echoes loudly from past greats such as Emmitt Smith, serving as a poignant reminder of the expectations that come with wearing the iconic star.