Emmitt Smith Weighs in on the Current State of the Dallas Cowboys
Emmitt Smith, an iconic figure in Dallas Cowboys history, has never been one to shy away from voicing his opinion, especially when it comes to the team he once led to greatness. Now 55 years old and nearly two decades into retirement, Smith recently opened up about his concerns regarding the Cowboys' management and the challenges facing the team.
Criticism of Cowboys' Management
Smith's most pointed critiques are aimed at how the Cowboys' management has handled key players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. In particular, Lamb's current contract holdout is a cause for concern.
"He is a very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys," Smith says of Lamb. "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."
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Prescott is playing under the final year of his contract. Smith believes this not only puts Prescott in a difficult position but also places undue strain on the entire team's performance potential.
"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.
Significant Roster Changes
The Cowboys have seen significant changes in their roster recently. Tony Pollard, a dynamic running back, has been let go via free agency, leaving a gap that the team is attempting to fill by leaning heavily on Ezekiel Elliott. Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks steps in as the Cowboys' No. 2 wideout, bringing both opportunities and uncertainties to the receiving corps.
Smith's concerns extend beyond individual player situations to a broader organizational critique. "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.
A Call for Organizational Alignment
Emmitt Smith advocates for a thorough reassessment of the Cowboys' organizational mission and its alignment with the football team. "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 stated.
He pointed out what he perceives as 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 added.
The Long Road to Super Bowl Glory
Despite the continuous optimism at the start of each season, the harsh reality remains that the Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl in over two decades. For a franchise with such a storied history and fervent fan base, this drought is not just disappointing but almost unfathomable.
Smith's candid assessment highlights a sense of urgency and a need for introspection within the Cowboys' organization. His criticism, albeit tough, comes from a place of deep care and a desire to see the team reclaim its former glory.
As the Cowboys navigate these turbulent times, the words of Emmitt Smith serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead and the high stakes involved. The path to success is fraught with obstacles, but with clear-sighted leadership and strategic adjustments, hope remains that the Cowboys can once again rise to the pinnacle of NFL success.
The football world will be watching closely as the Dallas Cowboys continue their journey, with fans and former legends like Emmitt Smith hoping that the next chapter of Cowboys history will be one of triumph rather than tribulation.