In the realm of Dallas Cowboys folklore, few names command the reverence that Emmitt Smith's does. As an iconic figure in the franchise's storied history, his words carry significant weight—especially when they touch on the current state of the team. Recently, Smith didn't hold back in his candid criticism of the Cowboys' management, particularly focusing on their handling of star players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
An Underperforming Organization
Smith, now 55 and nearly two decades removed from his NFL days, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the team's direction. "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. It's a sentiment many Cowboys fans share, as the team has not claimed a Super Bowl title in over two decades.
Contractual Concerns and Team Dynamics
Smith also expressed concerns over CeeDee Lamb, currently holding out due to contractual issues, and the broader impact on quarterback Dak Prescott, who is entering the final year of his contract. Smith stressed Lamb's importance to the team, stating, "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."
The absence of Lamb has indeed placed additional strain on Prescott, a situation Smith finds deeply troubling. "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. The Cowboys' inability to secure Lamb, paired with their decision to let running back Tony Pollard go via free agency, only heightens these concerns.
Offensive Load Bearing
With Pollard's departure, the Cowboys have leaned heavily on Ezekiel Elliott, a move that Smith sees as risky. It's an overreliance that could potentially unsettle the team's offensive balance, placing even more pressure on Prescott and Elliott. The recent addition of Brandin Cooks as the team's No. 2 wideout offers some degree of hope, but the overarching issues remain unresolved.
A Call for Organizational Alignment
Smith's critiques extend beyond individual players, probing into the organizational structure of the Cowboys. "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 said. Smith believes there's a misalignment between the team's goals and its strategies, a disconnect he feels 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."
The Road Ahead
As the Cowboys stand on the cusp of another NFL season, questions abound. Can Prescott thrive under such immense pressure? Will Lamb resolve his contract issues and return to the fold? And importantly, can the Cowboys' management find the alignment that Smith so fervently calls for? These queries will loom large as the season progresses, shaping the narrative around one of the NFL's most storied franchises.
Emmitt Smith's piercing criticisms serve as a poignant reminder that even legends of the game hold their beloved teams to the highest standards. For Cowboys fans and stakeholders alike, these words offer both a challenge and a call to action, pushing for a return to the glory days that seem increasingly distant with each passing year.