Emmitt Smith, a name synonymous with Dallas Cowboys greatness, remains vocal and passionate about the franchise even as he marks nearly two decades since his retirement. Now, at 55 years old, the legendary running back hasn’t shied away from critiquing the team's current management, particularly concerning their handling of players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Criticism of Cowboys' Management
Smith has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Cowboys' approach to Prescott and Lamb. He has highlighted how crucial these players are to the team's success, particularly lambasting the decision-makers for their handling of Lamb's contract dispute. "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. His words underscore the deep frustration and concern he feels about the direction in which the team is heading.
The current situation with CeeDee Lamb, who is holding out due to contractual issues, only adds to the challenges faced by the Cowboys. In Smith's view, failing to lock down such a pivotal player reflects poorly on the organization's commitment to maintaining its competitive edge.
The Prescott Conundrum
Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' franchise quarterback, finds himself in a precarious situation, playing under the final year of his contract. Smith's concern for Prescott is palpable. "He should be in a position, as your franchise quarterback, he should be in a position to be successful. And right now you are putting him behind the eight ball. And that is not right," he remarked. The implication here is clear: management's decisions are not giving Prescott the support he needs to thrive, jeopardizing both his and the team's future success.
Running Game Woes
The Cowboys' recent moves in free agency have also drawn Smith's ire. Tony Pollard, a key component of the running game, was let go, leaving Ezekiel Elliott to shoulder the majority of the burden. While Elliott has been a standout player for the Cowboys, the lack of depth in the running back position could spell trouble for the team. Smith's concerns are justified given Elliott's injury history and the physical demands placed on him.
Organizational Misalignment
Smith's critiques extend beyond individual players to the organizational structure as a whole. Reflecting on the Cowboys' long-standing struggle to secure a Super Bowl victory, he said, "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." These comments highlight a pervasive sense of disillusionment among fans and former players.
The lack of alignment within the organization is a recurring theme in Smith's comments. "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 questioned. His call for a thorough evaluation suggests a need for a cohesive strategy that aligns the organization's mission with on-field performance.
Looking Forward
With no Super Bowl victories in over two decades, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads. Smith's insights serve as both a critique and a call to action. "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 concluded. His words carry the weight of experience and the hope for a more successful future for a team that has struggled to live up to its storied legacy.
As the Cowboys navigate these challenges, the voices of legends like Emmitt Smith provide a critical perspective that could inspire necessary changes within the organization. Only time will tell if the franchise can heed these warnings and make the adjustments needed to reclaim their place atop the NFL echelon.