Emmitt Smith Speaks Out on Cowboys' Challenges
Emmitt Smith, an iconic figure in Dallas Cowboys history, has recently voiced his concerns regarding the current management and direction of his former team. At 55 years old, Smith has been retired for nearly two decades, but his passion for the Cowboys remains as strong as ever.
Smith's critique is centered around the handling of key players, particularly Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. The legendary running back emphasized the critical role Lamb plays within the team, stating, "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." Lamb's ongoing contractual issues have led him to hold out, a situation that Smith believes unfairly burdens Prescott.
Prescott, currently playing under the final year of his contract, finds himself in a precarious position. Smith expressed his frustration with the quarterback’s predicament: "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." The departure of Tony Pollard to free agency and the heavy reliance on Ezekiel Elliott only add to the mounting pressure on Prescott.
Brandin Cooks has stepped into the role of the No. 2 wideout, but the team dynamics appear unsettled. Emmitt Smith’s observations point towards a deeper organizational issue. "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. This sense of perpetual underachievement speaks volumes about the challenges faced by the Cowboys in recent decades.
Smith believes that a comprehensive assessment of the Cowboys' organization is essential. "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 queried. The alignment between organizational mission and on-field performance appears to be flawed, which Smith argues has contributed to their extended Super Bowl drought.
"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 observed, adding a sense of urgency to his assessment. This disconnect, if unresolved, could continue to hinder the Cowboys' success.
Emmitt Smith's criticism comes at a time when the Cowboys are at a crossroads. The franchise that once dominated the NFL finds itself grappling with internal and external challenges. Smith’s comments underscore the importance of strategic leadership and alignment within the organization if they are to break their Super Bowl drought and reclaim their former glory.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Cowboys address these pressing issues. Will they rise to the challenge and synchronize their operational goals with on-field execution? The answers will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of this storied franchise.