Emmitt Smith Sounds Off on Cowboys Management
Emmitt Smith, a cornerstone in the history of the Dallas Cowboys, has not shied away from expressing his dissatisfaction with the current state of his former team. The 55-year-old Hall of Famer, who hung up his cleats nearly two decades ago, has openly criticized the Cowboys' management, particularly regarding their handling of star 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 stated, referring to CeeDee Lamb, who is currently holding out due to contractual issues. Smith's remarks underscore the crucial importance of Lamb to the team's offensive strategy.
Key Players in Contractual Limbo
The management of these contract situations could be putting the team at a significant disadvantage. Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' franchise quarterback, is in the final year of his contract. As Smith commented, "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." His frustration reflects a common sentiment among Cowboys fans who have watched the team struggle to meet its potential in recent years.
Adding to the turmoil, the Cowboys have recently parted ways with Tony Pollard via free agency, further compounding their issues in the running game. In a move that seems to counter the exit of Pollard, the team is now leaning heavily on running back Ezekiel Elliott, a strategy that has drawn mixed reactions from both analysts and fans alike.
A Legacy of Disappointment
The Cowboys' inability to clinch a Super Bowl victory for over two decades weighs heavily on the franchise’s storied history. “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,” lamented Smith, echoing the frustrations of a fan base that is desperate for a return to glory.
The current state of the Cowboys does not align with the expectations that come with being one of the NFL’s most iconic teams. This disparity has led Smith to call for a thorough reassessment of the organization. "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's assertion highlights a possible organizational and cultural disconnect that may be hindering the team's performance.
The Path Forward
As Brandin Cooks steps in as the Cowboys' No. 2 wideout, the pressure is on to ensure that the team’s offensive lineup performs at the highest level. The dynamic between Prescott and his receivers, particularly in this crucial contract year, will be under intense scrutiny.
Smith’s pointed commentary sheds light on the issues that have plagued the Cowboys and offers a stark reminder of the high stakes involved. "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 concluded, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these deep-seated problems.
As the new NFL season looms, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads. The management's decisions over the coming months will likely shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. In the eyes of legends like Emmitt Smith, there's no room for error if the Cowboys hope to reclaim their long-lost glory.