Emmitt Smith's Sharp Critique of Cowboys' Management
Emmitt Smith, an iconic figure in Dallas Cowboys history, has spoken out against the team's management, offering a pointed critique on their handling of star players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Smith, now 55 years old and nearly two decades into retirement, remains a passionate and outspoken advocate for the Cowboys. His recent comments highlight his concerns regarding the franchise's direction and strategy.
Smith's most recent criticisms focus on the Cowboys' treatment of quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. According to Smith, Prescott’s situation, playing under the final year of his contract, places undue pressure on the quarterback. "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 now. And that is unacceptable," Smith remarked.
Smith continued by emphasizing the importance of placing Prescott in a position to succeed. "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," he stated. These comments underline Smith's belief that the franchise is failing to support its star quarterback adequately.
The situation with CeeDee Lamb has further exacerbated Smith's frustrations. Lamb, the Cowboys' primary wide receiver, is currently holding out due to contractual issues. The absence of such a critical player sends ripples through the team's performance and morale. Smith's pointed observations underscore how vital Lamb's presence is for the team's overall offensive strategy.
In the wake of these contractual and management challenges, the Cowboys have also seen changes in their roster. Brandin Cooks has emerged as the team's No. 2 wideout, while Tony Pollard has departed via free agency. Consequently, the team is leaning heavily on running back Ezekiel Elliott to fill the gap. Despite these adjustments, Smith sees a need for a deeper organizational introspection.
Smith’s frustrations extend beyond player contracts and on-field strategies. Reflecting on the Cowboys' performance over the past two decades, he conveyed a sense of disillusionment with the organization's failure to secure a Super Bowl victory. "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 shared, encapsulating the dismay felt by many long-time fans of the team.
Smith believes that to address these issues, the Cowboys must undergo a comprehensive self-assessment. "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. This call for introspection suggests that Smith sees a fundamental misalignment within the Cowboys' hierarchy that needs resolution.
He alluded to a disconnect within the organization, cautioning that it must be resolved swiftly to avoid further decades of disappointment. "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.
Emmitt Smith's insights reflect his deep-rooted connection to the franchise and his desire to see the Cowboys reclaim their former glory. His candid comments serve as both a wake-up call and a rallying cry for the team and its management to re-evaluate their strategies and ensure that they are paving the way for future success.