The Dallas Cowboys' Complex Season: Emmitt Smith Weighs In
Emmitt Smith, an iconic figure in Dallas Cowboys history, has never been one to shy away from voicing his opinions on the team's current state. At 55 years old and retired for nearly 20 years, Smith offers a perspective rooted in his extensive experience and deep connection to the Cowboys franchise. Recently, he has been particularly vocal about the management's handling of key players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
CeeDee Lamb's Holdout
One of the more pressing issues is CeeDee Lamb's holdout due to contractual disputes. Smith has not minced words when it comes to this situation, emphasizing Lamb's value to the team and its quarterback. "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. The holdout not only affects Lamb but also puts additional strain on Prescott, who is playing under the final year of his contract.
Pressure on Dak Prescott
The complexities don't end with Lamb's contractual issues. Dak Prescott, a crucial component of the Cowboys' offensive strategy, finds himself in a precarious position. Smith is acutely aware of the challenges Prescott faces. "He should be in a position, as your franchise quarterback, he should be in a position to be successful. And right now you're putting him behind the eight ball. And that is not right," he remarked. The added pressure on Prescott could have significant repercussions for the team's performance.
Roster Changes and Their Impact
The Cowboys have also seen significant changes in their roster. Tony Pollard was let go via free agency, forcing the team to rely heavily on running back Ezekiel Elliott. Additionally, Brandin Cooks has stepped up as the Cowboys' No. 2 wideout, but the internal dynamics have clearly shifted. These changes, coupled with Lamb's holdout and Prescott's contract situation, create a challenging environment for both the players and the management.
Years of Disappointment
The Cowboys' struggles are not confined to the current season. The team has not won a Super Bowl in over two decades, a sore point for many fans and former players alike. "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. His frustration is palpable, reflecting the collective sentiment of many who bleed blue and silver.
Organizational Misalignment
Smith also points to a deeper issue within the organization's structure and mission. "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 questioned. This perceived misalignment could be a significant factor in the team's prolonged period of underperformance.
Calls for Quick Resolution
To add to his pointed criticism, Smith identifies what he believes to be essential for the Cowboys' future success. "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." His call for a swift resolution underscores the urgency he feels for the organization to address these deeply rooted issues.
Emmitt Smith's commentary is more than the observations of a retired player; it is a call to action for a franchise that has long been a cornerstone of NFL history. His insights are born from years of on-field experience and an intimate understanding of what it takes to build a winning team. For the Cowboys, addressing these concerns could be the key to ending their two-decade-long championship drought.