Emmitt Smith has never been one to mince words, especially when it comes to matters concerning his beloved Dallas Cowboys. The legendary running back, who remains an iconic figure in the franchise's storied history, is offering a critical assessment of the current state of the team. At 55 years old and nearly two decades removed from his playing days, Smith's voice carries weight, especially as the Cowboys navigate a challenging period.
Concerns Over Management and Key Players
Smith has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the Cowboys' management, particularly their handling of two key players: Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. "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 said, emphasizing Lamb's importance to the team.
Lamb's current holdout due to contractual issues has clearly struck a nerve with Smith, who sees the wide receiver as integral to Prescott's success. This is especially concerning as Prescott is in the final year of his contract, a situation that places even more urgency on resolving Lamb's status. "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 asserted.
The Rollercoaster Ride of the Last Two Decades
Smith's critique extends beyond individual players, casting a wider net over the organization's performance over the past two decades. The once-dominant franchise, which last won a Super Bowl in the mid-90s, has struggled to replicate its success. "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 disappointment of unmet expectations has led Smith to call for a thorough evaluation of the franchise's direction. "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. For Smith, the alignment of the organization's goals with its on-field performance is not just desired but essential.
A Disconnect Needing Resolution
Smith pointed out what he perceives to be a disconnect within the organization. "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," he explained. The urgency in Smith's tone underscores the pressing need for the Cowboys to rectify these internal issues if they hope to end their prolonged Super Bowl drought.
Current Roster Dynamics
The Cowboys' current roster dynamics are also painting a complex picture. With Tony Pollard departing via free agency, the team is now heavily reliant on running back Ezekiel Elliott, a player who has been both a star and a point of contention among fans and analysts alike. Meanwhile, the addition of Brandin Cooks as the Cowboys' No. 2 wideout is a move that aims to bolster the receiving corps, but it remains to be seen how this will play out on the field.
As the Cowboys forge ahead, the shadows of past glories and present criticisms loom large. Emmitt Smith, a man who has given so much to the franchise, continues to be a voice of reason and critique, urging the team he cherishes to strive for betterment. Only time will reveal whether the Cowboys can realign their mission and recapture the essence of the greatness that once defined them.