Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith recently voiced his frustrations concerning the management of the team, particularly focusing on the handling of key players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Smith, who at 55 years old has been retired for nearly two decades, did not hold back in his critique, highlighting a sense of organizational disarray and misplaced priorities.
Criticism of Management
Smith singled out the Dallas Cowboys' management for creating an environment he believes sets up star quarterback Dak Prescott for failure. "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, shedding light on the absence of wideout CeeDee Lamb, who is currently holding out due to contractual issues. This situation, Smith argues, places undue pressure on Prescott, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Smith continued, "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 remarks reflect a broader concern about the team’s ability to create a supportive environment for Prescott, enhancing the recurring sentiment among fans and analysts that the Cowboys have failed to maximize their potential in recent years.
Challenges and Disappointments
Furthering his critique, Smith lamented the Cowboys' overall 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 said. The Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl in over two decades, a statistic that underscores the frustrations experienced by both former players and devoted fans.
Smith pointed to what he perceives as a structural disconnect within 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?" he posed, suggesting that the issues plaguing the Cowboys run deeper than just on-field performance.
"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 added, emphasizing the urgency for introspection and alignment within the organization.
Current Roster and Strategic Decisions
The Cowboys' current scenario sees them leaning heavily on running back Ezekiel Elliott, especially after letting Tony Pollard go via free agency. The depth at wide receiver shows Brandin Cooks stepping in as the No. 2 wideout, further intensifying the pressures on Prescott and the offensive lineup amid Lamb's holdout. The alignment between team strategy and player utilization appears to be under significant scrutiny, both internally and externally.
Smith's comments resonate with the larger narrative of seeking long-term stability and success for the Cowboys. His call for a thorough organizational reassessment hints at a desire for not just changes in roster strategy but also deeper, systemic changes that align management priorities with on-field success.
As the Cowboys navigate this offseason, Smith’s candid insights serve as a reminder of the high stakes and profound expectations intertwined with America’s Team. Whether his critiques spur tangible changes remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the call for accountability and strategic clarity has never been louder.