Emmitt Smith, the legendary Dallas Cowboys running back, continues to be a forthright and passionate voice regarding the team's current state and future prospects. At 55 years old and nearly two decades into his retirement, Smith's deep ties to the Cowboys make his critiques resonate powerfully among fans and players alike.
Recently, Smith voiced strong opinions on the management's handling of key players such as Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Lamb is currently holding out due to contractual issues, a move that Smith views as detrimental to the team's success. "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, underscoring the impact of Lamb's absence on the team's dynamic.
The Quarterback Conundrum
Prescott, playing under the final year of his contract, finds himself in a precarious position. Smith passionately argues that the organization must prioritize Prescott’s success. "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 emphasized. His concerns reflect a broader unease about the management's strategic decisions and their repercussions on the field.
The Cowboys' recent personnel changes further complicate the situation. The departure of running back Tony Pollard via free agency has shifted a heavier burden onto Ezekiel Elliott, raising questions about depth and durability. Additionally, Brandin Cooks has stepped in as the Cowboys’ No. 2 wideout, but it remains to be seen if these adjustments will suffice in maintaining a competitive edge.
Long-standing Frustrations
Smith’s reflections also touch on a deeper, more prolonged frustration with the team's trajectory over the past two decades. "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 remarked, capturing the sentiment of many long-time fans. The Cowboys have indeed faced numerous playoff disappointments, failing to secure a Super Bowl victory in over twenty years.
Organizational Misalignment
Smith believes that part of the remedy lies in a thorough reassessment of the organization’s mission and alignment. "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. Smith’s call for introspection aims at uncovering and addressing any potential disconnects within the franchise.
He further elaborated on this point, saying, "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." This perspective suggests that while the Cowboys may project an image of cohesiveness, underlying issues might be hindering their quest for a championship.
In sum, Emmitt Smith's candid commentary sheds light on critical areas that require attention for the Dallas Cowboys. His concerns about player management, organizational strategy, and long-term performance underscore the necessity for decisive and aligned action. For the Cowboys' faithful, Smith's words are a clarion call for hope and change, rooted in a legacy of excellence and an enduring passion for the game. As the new season unfolds, how the team addresses these concerns will be key in determining if they can finally break their prolonged Super Bowl drought.