The name Emmitt Smith is synonymous with Dallas Cowboys history. As one of the franchise's most iconic figures, Smith's insights often carry significant weight. Recently, Smith has not shied away from sharing his critical perspective on the current state of his beloved team, particularly focusing on management decisions regarding Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Emmitt Smith's Concerns
At 55 years old and nearly two decades into his retirement, Smith remains an ardent observer of the Cowboys. He recently voiced strong opinions about the management’s handling of key players. "CeeDee Lamb is a very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys," Smith stated. "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."
Lamb's current holdout due to contractual issues only exacerbates Smith's concerns. The absence of such a crucial player, Smith argues, leaves Prescott in an untenable position. "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."
Contractual Expirations and Departures
Smith's critique extends to the broader strategic moves of the franchise. Dak Prescott is currently in the final year of his contract, a situation that overtly underscores the pressure he faces. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have let Tony Pollard go via free agency, further depleting their offensive arsenal. In this context, Brandin Cooks has emerged as the No. 2 wideout for the team, yet it remains to be seen whether this will be sufficient to balance the offensive load.
Adding to the complexity is the Cowboys' renewed reliance on running back Ezekiel Elliott. Once the premier back in the NFL, Elliott’s recent seasons have been marked by inconsistency, making this a potentially risky strategy.
20 Years of Disappointment
One of the most poignant aspects of Smith's commentary touches on the larger picture of the Cowboys' performance 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," Smith lamented.
Despite regular playoff appearances, the Cowboys have not clinched a Super Bowl victory in over 20 years, a drought that sharply contrasts with the high expectations placed on the team each season.
Call for Organizational Alignment
Smith called for a comprehensive review of the Cowboys' organizational strategies. "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?"
The disconnect, as Smith sees it, needs urgent resolution. "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."
In conclusion, while Emmitt Smith remains hopeful for the future of the Dallas Cowboys, his candid critique suggests that significant changes are necessary. The former star's insight sheds light on the pressing issues within the team, emphasizing the urgent need for better alignment between management strategies and player support. With the 2023 season underway, only time will tell if the Cowboys can address these concerns and recapture their former glory.